Substituted 11-phenyl-dibenzazepine compounds useful for the treatment or prevention of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides substituted 11-phenyl-dibenzazepine compounds which are specific, potent and safe inhibitors of mammalian cell proliferation. The compounds can be used to inhibit mammalian cell proliferation in situ as a therapeutic approach towards the treatment or prevention of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to aromatic organic compounds which are specific, potent and safe inhibitors of the Ca²⁺-activated potassium channel (Gardos channel) of erythrocytes and/or of mammalian cell proliferation. More particularly, the invention relates to substituted 11-phenyl dibenzazepine compounds capable of inhibiting the Gardos channel of sickle erythrocytes and/or mitogen-induced mammalian cell proliferation. The compounds can be used to reduce sickle erythrocyte dehydration and/or delay the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling or deformation in situ as a therapeutic approach towards the treatment or prevention of sickle cell disease. The compounds can also be used to inhibit mammalian cell proliferation in situ as a therapeutic approach towards the treatment or prevention of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sickle cell disease has been recognized within West Africa for several centuries. Sickle cell anemia and the existence of sickle hemoglobin (Hb-S) was the first genetic: disease to be understood at the molecular level. It is recognized today as the morphological and clinical result of a glycine to valine substitution at the No. 6 position of the beta globin chain (Ingram, 1956, Nature 178:792-794). The origin of the amino acid change and of the disease state is the consequence of a single nucleotide substitution (Marotta et al., 1977, J. Biol. Chem. 252:5040-5053).

[0003] The major source of morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from sickle cell disease is vascular occlusion caused by sickled erythrocytes, which causes repeated episodes of pain in both acute and chronic form and also causes ongoing organ damage with the passage of time. It has long been recognized and accepted that the deformation and distortion, of sickle cell erythirocytes upon complete deoxygenation is caused by polymerization and intracellular gelation of sickle hemoglobin, hemoglobin S (Hb S). The phenomenon is well reviewed and discussed by Eaton and Hofrichter, 1987, Blood 70:1245. The intracellular gelation and polymerization of Hb S can occur at-any time during erythrocyte's journey through the vasculature. Thus, erythrocytes in patients with sickle cell disease containing no polymerized hemoglobin S may pass through the microcirculation and return to the lungs without sickling, may sickle in the veins or may sickle in the capillaries.

[0004] The probability of each of these events occurring is determined by the delay time for intracellular gelation relative to the appropriate capillary transit time (Eaton et al., 1976, Blood 47:621). In turn, the delay time is dependent upon the oxygenation state of the hemoglobin, with deoxygenation shortening the delay time. Thus, if it is thermodynamically impossible for intracellular gelation to take place, or if the delay time at venous oxygen pressures is longer than about 15 seconds, cell sickling will not occur. Alternatively, if the delay time is between about 1 and 15; seconds, the red cell will likely sickle in the veins. However, if the delay time is less than about 1 second, red cells will sickle within the capillaries.

[0005] For red cells that sickle within the capillaries, a number of possible consequent events exist, ranging from no effect on transit time, to transient occlusion of the capillary, to a more permanent blockage that may ultimately result in ischemia or infarction of the surrounding cells and in destruction of the red cell.

[0006] It has long been recognized that the cytoplasm of the normal erythrocyte comprises approximately 70% water. Water crosses a normal erythrocyte membrane in milliseconds; however, the loss of cell water causes an exponential increase in cytoplasmic viscosity as the mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) rises above about 32 g/dl. Since cytoplasmic viscosity is a major determinate of erythrocyte deformability and sickling, the dehydration of the erythrocyte has substantial Theological and pathological consequences. Thus, the physiological mechanisms that maintain the water content of normal erythrocytes and the pathological conditions that cause loss of water from erythrocytes in the blood circulation are critically important. Not surprisingly, regulation of erythrocyte dehydration has been recognized as an important therapeutic approach towards the treatment of sickle cell disease. Since cell water will follow any osmotic change in the intracellular concentration of ions, the maintenance of the red cell's potassium concentration is of particular importance (Stuart and Ellory, 1988, Brit J. Haematol. 69:1-4).

[0007] Many attempts and approaches to therapeutically treating dehydrated sickle cells (and thus decreasing polymerization of hemoglobin S by lowering the osmolality of plasma) have been tried with limited success, including the following approaches: intravenous infusion of distilled water (Gye et al., 1973, Am. J. Med. Sci. 266:267-277); administration of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin together with a high fluid intake and salt restriction (Rosa et al., 1980, M. Eng. J. Med. 303:1138-1143; Charache and Walker, 1981, Blood 58:892-896); the use of monensin to increase the cation content of the sickle cell (Clark et al., 1982, J. Clin. 25Invest. 70:1074-1080; Fahim and Pressman, 1981, Life Sciences 29:1959-1966); intravenous administration of cetiedil citrate (Benjamin et al., 1986, Blood 67:1442-1447; Berkowitz and Orringer, 1984, Am. J. Hematol. 17:217-223; Stuart et al., 1987, J. Clin. Pathol. 40:1182-1186); and the use of oxpentifylline (Stuart et al., 1987, J. clin. Pathol. 40:1182-1186).

[0008] Another approach towards therapeutically treating dehydrated sickle cells involves the administration of imidazole, nitroimidazole and triazole antimycotic agents such as Clotrimazole (U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,992 to Brugnara et al.). Clotrimazole, an imidazole-containing antimycotic agent, has been shown to be a specific, potent inhibitor of the Gardos channel of normal and sickle erythrocytes, and to prevent Ca²⁺-dependent dehydration of sickle cells both in vitro and in vivo (Brugnara et al., 1993, J. Clin. Invest. 92:520-526; De Franceschi et al., 1994, J. Clin. Invest. 93:1670-1676). When combined with a compound which stabilizes the oxyconformation of Hb S, Clotrimazole induces an additive reduction in the clogging rate of a micropore filter and may attenuate the formation of irreversibly sickled cells (Stuart et al., 1994, J. Haematol. 86:820-823). Other compounds that contain a heteroaryl imidazole-like moiety believed to be useful in reducing sickle erythrocyte dehydration via Gardos channel inhibition include miconazole, econazole, butoconazole, oxiconazole and sulconazole. Each of these compounds is a known antimycotic. Other imidazole-containing compounds have been found to be incapable of inhibiting the Gardos channel and preventing loss of potassium.

[0009] As can be seen from the above discussion, reducing sickle erythrocyte dehydration via blockade of the Gardos channel is a powerful therapeutic approach towards the treatment and/or prevention of sickle cell disease. Compounds capable of inhibiting the Gardos channel as a means of reducing sickle cell dehydration are highly desirable, and are therefore an object of the present invention.

[0010] Cell proliferation is a normal part of mammalian existence, necessary for life itself. However, cell proliferation is not always desirable, and has recently been shown to be the root of many life-threatening diseases such as cancer, certain skin disorders, inflammatory diseases, fibrotic conditions and arteriosclerotic conditions.

[0011] Cell proliferation is critically dependent on the regulated movement of ions across various cellular compartments, and is associated with the synthesis of DNA. Binding of specific polypeptide growth factors to specific receptors in growth-arrested cells triggers an array of early ionic signals that are critical in the cascade of mitogenic events eventually leading to DNA synthesis (Rozengurt, 1986, Science 234:161-164). These include: (1) a rapid increase in cystolic Ca²+, mostly due to rapid release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores; (2) capacitative Ca²⁺ influx in response to opening of ligand-bound and hyperpolarization-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels in the plasma membrane that contribute further to increased intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration (Tsien and Tsien, 1990, Annu. Rev. Cell Biol. 6:715-760; Peppelenbosch et al., 1991, J. Biol. Chem. 266:19938-19944); and (3) activation of Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels in the plasma membrane with increased K⁺ conductance and membrane hyperpolarization (Magni et al., 1991, J. Biol. Chem. 261:9321-9327). These mitogen-induced early ionic changes, considered critical events in the signal transduction pathways, are powerful therapeutic targets for inhibition of cell proliferation in normal and malignant cells.

[0012] One therapeutic approach towards the treatment of diseases characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation via alteration of the ionic fluxes associated with early mitogenic signals involves the administration of Clotrimazole. As discussed above, Clotrimazole has been shown to inhibit the Ca²⁺-activated potassium channel of erythrocytes. In addition, Clotrimazole inhibits voltage- and ligand-stimulated Ca²⁺ influx mechanisms in nucleated cells (Villalobos et al., 1992, FASEB J. 6:2742-2747; Montero et al., 1991, Biochem. J. 277:73-79) and inhibits cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo (Benzaquen et al., 1995, Nature Medicine 1:534-540). Recently, Clotrimazole and other imidazole-containing antimycotic agents capable of inhibiting Ca²⁺-activated potassium channels have been shown to be useful in the treatment of arteriosclerosis (U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,959 to Halperin et al.), as well as other disorders characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation.

[0013] As can be seen from the above discussion, inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation via alteration of ionic fluxes associated with early mitogenic signals is a powerful therapeutic approach towards the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation. Compounds capable of inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation are highly desirable, and are therefore also an object of the present invention.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] These and other objects are provided by the present invention, which in one aspect provides a novel class of organic compounds which are potent, selective and safe inhibitors of the Ca²⁺-activated potassium channel (Gardos channel) of erythrocytes, particularly sickle erythrocytes, and/or of mammalian cell proliferation. The compounds are generally substituted 11-phenyl-dibenzazepine compounds. In one illustrative embodiment, the compounds capable of inhibiting the Gardos channel and/or mammalian cell proliferation according to the invention are compounds having the structural formula:

[0015] or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hydrates thereof, wherein:

[0016] R₁ is —R′, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl or substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl;

[0017] R₂ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl;

[0018] R₃ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno;

[0019] R₄ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno;

[0020] each of R₆, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁ R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′, halogen and trihalomethyl;

[0021] R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(S)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(S)OR″, —C(O)SR″, —C(S)SR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(S)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(S)R″, —C(S)C(S)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″, —C(S)C(O)OR″, —C(O)C(S)OR″, —C(O)C(O)SR″, —C(S)C(S)OR″, —C(S)C(C)SR″, —C(O)C(S)SR″, —C(S)C(S)SR″, —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)C(O)N(R″)₂₁—C(O)C(S)N(R″)₂ or —C(S)C(S)N(R″)₂;

[0022] each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C,) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl;

[0023] each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl and substituted (C₁-C₂₀) alkaryl; and

[0024] the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —SR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl and trihalomethyl.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds according to the invention in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent. Such a preparation can be administered in the methods of the invention.

[0026] In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing sickle erythrocyte dehydration and/or delaying the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling or deformation in situ. The method involves contacting a sickle erythrocyte in situ with an amount of at least one compound according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, effective to reduce sickle erythrocyte dehydration and/or delay the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling or deformation. In a preferred embodiment, the sickle cell dehydration is reduced and erythrocyte deformation is delayed in a sickle erythrocyte that is within the microcirculation vasculature of a subject, thereby preventing or reducing the vaso-occlusion and consequent adverse effects that are commonly caused by sickled cells.

[0027] In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prevention of sickle cell disease in a subject, such as a human. The method involves administering a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a patient suffering from sickle cell disease. The patient may be suffering from either acute sickle crisis or chronic sickle cell episodes.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation in situ. The method involves contacting a mammalian cell in situ with an amount of at least one compound according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, effective to inhibit cell proliferation. The compound or composition may act either cytostatically, cytotoxically or a by a combination of both mechanisms to inhibit proliferation. Mammalian cells that can be treated in this manner include vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, various types of pre-cancer cells and various types of cancer cells.

[0029] In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating and/or preventing unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation in a subject, such as a human. In the method, at least one compound according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment in an amount effective to inhibit the unwanted or abnormal mammalian cell proliferation. The compound and/or composition may be applied locally to the proliferating cells, or may be administered to the subject systemically. Preferably, the compound and/or composition is administered to a subject that has a disorder characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, cancer, epithelial precancerous lesions, non-cancerous angiogenic conditions or arteriosclerosis.

[0030] In a final aspect, the invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases that are characterized by unwanted and/or abnormal mammalian cell proliferation. The method involves administering a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a subject in need of such treatment. Diseases that are characterized by abnormal mammalian cell proliferation which can be treated or prevented by way of the methods of the invention include, but are not limited to, cancer, blood vessel proliferative disorders, fibrotic disorders and arteriosclerotic conditions.

[0031] 3.1 Definitions

[0032] As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

[0033] “Alkyl:” refers to a saturated branched, straight chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical. Typical alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, and the like. In preferred embodiments, the alkyl groups are (C₁-C₆) alkyl, with (C₁-C₃) being particularly preferred.

[0034] “Substituted Alkyl:” refers to an alkyl radical wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with other substituents. Typical substituents include, but: are not limited to, —OR, —SR, —NRR, —CN, —NO₂, -halogen and -trihalomethyl, where each R is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined herein.

[0035] “Alkenyl:” refers to an unsaturated branched, straight: chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical having at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The radical may be in either the cis or trans conformation about the double bond(s). Typical alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethenyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, tert-butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl and the like. In preferred embodiments, the alkenyl group is (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, with (C₁-C₃) being particularly preferred.

[0036] “Substitute's Alkenyl:” refers to an alkenyl radical wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with other substituents. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, —OR, —SR, —NRR, —CN, —NO₂, -halogen and -trihalomethyl, where each R is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined herein.

[0037] “Alkynyl:” refers to an unsaturated branched, straight chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Typical alkynyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, isobutynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl and the like. In preferred embodiments, the alkynyl group is (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, with (C₁-C₃) being particularly preferred.

[0038] “Substituted Alkynyl:” refers to an alkynyl radical wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with other substituents. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, —OR, —SR, —NRR, —CN, —NO₂, -halogen and -trihalomethyl, where each R is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined herein.

[0039] “Aryl:” refers to an unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon radical having a conjugated v electron system. Typical aryl groups include, but are not limited to, penta-2,4-diene, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracyl, azulenyl, indacenyl, and the like. In preferred embodiments, the aryl group is (C₅-C₂₀) aryl, with (C₅-C₁₀) being particularly preferred.

[0040] “Substituted Aryl:” refers to an aryl radical wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with other substituents. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, —OR, —SR, —NRR, —CN, —NO₂, -halogen and -trihalomethyl where each R is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined herein.

[0041] “Aryleno:” refers to an aryl radical that is capable of fusing to another aryl group. Typical aryleno groups include, but are not limited to, benzeno, naphthaleno, anthracaleno and the like. In preferred embodiments, the aryleno group is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno.

[0042] “Substituted Aryleno:” refers to an aryleno group wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with other substituents. Typical substituents include, but: are not limited to, —OR, —SR, —NRR, —CN, —NO₂, -halogen and -trihalomethyl, where each R is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined herein.

[0043] “Alkaryl:” refers to a straight-chain alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group wherein one of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a terminal carbon is replaced with an aryl moiety. Typical alkaryl groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl, benzylidene, benzylidyne, benzenobenzyl, naphthalenobenzyl and the like. In preferred embodiments, the alkaryl group is (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl, i.e., the alkyl, alkenyl or alkyhyl moiety of the alkaryl group is (C₁-C₆) and the aryl moiety is (C₅-C₂₀). In particularly preferred embodiments the alkaryl group is (c₆-C₁₁), i.e., the alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl moiety of the alkaryl group is (C₁-C₃) and the aryl moiety is (C₅-C₁₀).

[0044] “Substituted Alkaryl:” refers to an alkaryl radical wherein one or more hydrogen atoms on the aryl moiety of the alkaryl group are each independently replaced with other substituents. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, —OR, —SR, —NRR, —CN, —NO₂, -halogen and -trihalomethyl, where each R is independently —H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined herein.

[0045] “In Situ:” refers to and includes the terms “in vivo,” “ex vivo,” and “in vitro” as these terms are commonly recognized and understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art. Moreover, the phrase “in situ” is employed herein in its broadest connot ive and denotative contexts to identify an entity, cell or tissue as found or in place, without regard to its source or origin, its condition or status or its duration or longevity at that location or position.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046]FIG. 1 provides a reaction scheme for synthesizing ii-aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine compounds according to the invention; and

[0047]FIG. 2 provides a reaction scheme for synthesizing 11-aryl-11-substituted-5,6-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]azepine compounds according to the invention.

[0048]FIG. 3 shows the pre-clinical efficacy of Compound 28 on Human Pancreatic Carcinoma in nude mice.

[0049]FIG. 4 shows the pre-clinical efficacy of Compound 28 on Human Small Lung Carcinoma in SCID mice.

[0050]FIG. 5 shows the pre-clinical efficacy of Compound 28 on Human Lung Large Cell Carcinoma in CD-1 nude mice.

[0051]FIG. 6 shows the pre-clinical efficacy of Compound 28 on Human Melanoma in CD-1 nude mice.

[0052]FIG. 7 shows the number of macroscopic pleural metastases in four different test groups.

[0053]FIG. 8 shows a polysome profile.

[0054]FIG. 9 shows preferential inhibition of translation and expression of G1 cyclins.

[0055]FIG. 10 is an absorbance profile for Compound 28.

[0056]FIG. 11 is an absorbance profile for Compound 28.

[0057]FIG. 12 shows the resistance of dominant negative PKR mutant cells to CLT and Compound 28, indicating that Compound 28 inhibits cell growth at the level of translation initiation

[0058]FIG. 13 shows the DNA content analysis of cells treated with DMSO and Compound 28.

[0059]FIG. 14 shows the results of tumor cells that were sychoronied for 72 hours, then treated with DMSO or 75 uM NC381 for various times. The cell lysates were resolved on SDS-PAGE gels and immunoblotted with antibodies against total Rb, and phsophorylated Rb S780.

[0060]FIG. 15 shows an XTT assay for PC-3 Human Prostate Tumor cells treated with Compound 28.

[0061]FIG. 16 shows growth of Human Prostate Carcinoma (PC-3) in SCID mice treated with Compound 28.

[0062]FIG. 17 shows a comparison of signal for Compound 28 as compared to vehicle.

[0063]FIG. 18 shows Compound 28 dose response curves for various cancers, melanoma and leukemia.

[0064]FIG. 19 shows Compound 28 dose response curves for all cell lines.

[0065]FIG. 20 shows the Compound 28 mean values for all cell lines.

[0066]FIG. 21 shows Compound 30 dose response curves for various cancers, melanoma and leukemia.

[0067]FIG. 22 shows Compound 30 dose response curves for al cell lines.

[0068]FIG. 23 shows the Compound 30 mean values for all cell lines.

[0069]FIG. 24 shows Compound 31 dose response curves for various cancers, melanoma and leukemia.

[0070]FIG. 25 shows Compound 31 dose response curves for al cell lines.

[0071]FIG. 26 shows the Compound 31 mean values for all cell lines.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INTENTION

[0072] As discussed in the Background section, blockade of sickle dehydration via inhibition of the Gardos channel is a powerful therapeutic approach towards the treatment and/or prevention of sickle cell disease. Studies have shown that antimycotic agents such as Clotrimazole block Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ transport and reduce cell dehydration in sickle erythrocytes in vitro (Brugnara et al., 1993, J. clin. Invest. 92:520-526), and also inhibit the Gardos channel of erythrocytes, increase red cell K⁺ content, decrease the mean cell hemoglobin pi concentration (MCHC) and decrease red cell density in vivo in a transgenic mouse model for sickle cell disease (SAD mouse, Trudel et al., 1991, EMBO J. 11:3157-3165; De Franceschi et al., 1994, J. Clin. Invest. 93:1670-1676). Moreover, therapy with oral Clotrimazole induces inhibition of the Gardos channel and reduces erythrocyte dehydration in human patients with sickle cell disease (Brugnara et al., 1996, J. Clin. Invest. 97:1227-1234). Other antimycotic agents which inhibit the Gardos channel in vitro include miconazole, econazole, butoconazole, oxiconazole and sulconazole (U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,992 to Brugnara et al.). All of these compounds contain an imidazole-like ring, i.e., a heteroaryl ring containing two or more nitrogens.

[0073] Also as discussed in the Background section, the modulation of early ionic mitogenic signals and inhibition of cell proliferation are powerful therapeutic approaches towards the treatment and/or prevention of disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation. It has been shown that Clotrimazole, in addition to inhibiting the Gardos channel of erythrocytes, also modulates ionic mitogenic signals and inhibits cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo.

[0074] For example, Clotrimazole inhibits the rate of cell proliferation of normal and cancer cell lines in a reversible and dose-dependent manner in vitro (Benzaquen et al., 1995 Nature Medicine 1:534-540). Clotrimazole also depletes the intracellular Ca²⁺ stores and prevents the rise in cystolic Ca²⁺ that normally follows mitogenic stimulation. Moreover, in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) and inoculated with MM-RU human melanoma cells, daily administration of Clotrimazole resulted in a significant reduction in the number of lung metastases observed (Benzaquen et al., supra).

[0075] It has now been discovered that substituted 11-phenyl dibenzazepine compounds also inhibit the Gardos channel of erythrocytes and/or mammalian cell proliferation. Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides a new class of organic compounds that are capable-of inhibiting the Ca²⁺-activated potassium channel (Gardos channel) of erythrocytes, particularly sickle erythrocytes and/or of inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation, particularly mitogen-induced cell proliferation.

[0076] The discovery that 11-phenyl dibenzazepine compounds inhibit the Gardos channel and/or mammalian cell proliferation was quite surprising. Significantly, the compounds of the invention do not contain an imidazole or imidazole-like moiety. The imidazole or imidazole-like moiety is well-recognized as the essential functionality underlying the antimycotic and other biological activities of Clotrimazole and the other above-mentioned anti-mycotic agents. Thus, the 11-phenyl dibenzazepine compounds of the invention provide an entirely new cla of compounds that are capable of effecting inhibition of the Gardos channel and/or mammalian cell proliferation and that are therefore useful for the treatment of sickle cell disease and/or diseases related to abnormal or unwanted cell proliferation.

[0077] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of reducing sickle cell dehydration and/or delaying the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling in situ as a therapeutic approach towards the treatment of sickle cell disease. In its broadest sense, the method involves only a single step—the administration of at least one pharmacologically active compound of the invention, or a composition thereof, to a sickle erythrocyte in situ in an amount effective to reduce dehydration and/or delay the occurrence of cell sickling or deformation.

[0078] While not intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that administration of the active compounds described herein in appropriate amounts to sickle erythrocytes in situ causes nearly complete inhibition of the Gardos channel of sickle cells, thereby reducing the dehydration of sickle cells and/or delaying the occurrence of cell sickling or deformation. In a preferred embodiment, the dehydration of a sickle cell is reduced and/or the occurrence of sickling is delayed in a sickle cell that is within the microcirculation vasculature of the subject, thereby reducing or eliminating the vaso-occlusion that is commonly caused by sickled cells.

[0079] Based in part on the surmised importance of the Gardos channel as a therapeutic target in the treatment of sickle cell disease, the invention is also directed to methods of treating or preventing sickle cell disease. In the method, an effective amount of one or more compounds according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, is administered to a patient suffering from sickle cell disease. The methods may be used to treat sickle cell disease prophylactically to decrease intracellular Hb S concentration and/or polymerization, and thus diminish the time and duration of red cell sickling and vaso-occlusion in the blood circulation. The methods may also be used therapeutically in patients with acute sickle cell crisis, and in patients suffering chronic sickle cell episodes to control both the frequency and duration of the crises.

[0080] The compounds of the invention are also potent, specific inhibitors of mammalian cell proliferation. Thus, in another aspect, the invention provides methods of inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation as a therapeutic approach towards the treatment or prevention of diseases characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation. In its broadest sense, the method involves only a single step—the administration of an effective amount of at least one pharmacologically active compound according to the invention to a mammalian cell in situ. The compound may act cytostatically, cytotoxically, or by a combination of both mechanisms to inhibit cell proliferation. Mammalian cells treatable in this manner include vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, various pre-cancer cells and various cancer cells. In a preferred embodiment, cell proliferation is inhibited in a subject suffering from a disorder that is characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation. Such diseases are described more fully below.

[0081] Based in part on the surmised role of mammalian cell proliferation in certain diseases, the invention is also directed to methods of treating or preventing diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation. In the method, an effective amount of at least one compound according to the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, is administered to a patient suffering from a disorder that is characterized by abnormal cell proliferation. While not intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that administration of an appropriate amount of a compound according to the invention to a subject inhibits cell proliferation by altering the ionic fluxes associated with early mitogenic signals. Such alteration of ionic fluxes is thought to be due to the ability of the compounds of the invention to inhibit potassium channels of cells, particularly Ca²⁺-activated potassium channels. The method can be used prophylactically to prevent unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation, or may be used therapeutically to reduce or arrest proliferation of abnormally proliferating cells. The compound, or a pharmaceutical formulation thereof, can be applied locally to proliferating cells to arrest or inhibit proliferation at a desired time, or may be administered to a subject systemically to arrest or inhibit cell proliferation.

[0082] Diseases which are characterized by abnormal cell proliferation that can be treated or prevented by means of the present invention include blood vessel proliferative disorders, fibrotic disorders, arteriosclerotic disorders and various cancers.

[0083] Blood vessel proliferation disorders refer to angiogenic and vasculogenic disorders generally resulting in abnormal proliferation of blood vessels. The formation and spreading of blood vessels, or vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively, play important roles in a variety of physiological processes such as embryonic development, corpus luteum formation, wound healing and organ regeneration. They also play a pivotal role in cancer development. Other examples of blood vessel proliferative disorders include arthritis, where new capillary blood vessels invade the joint and destroy cartilage and ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, where new capillaries in the retina invade the vitreous, bleed and cause blindness and neovascular glaucoma.

[0084] Another example of abnormal neovascularization is that associated with solid tumors. It is now established that unrestricted growth of tumors is dependent upon angiogenesis and that induction of angiogenesis by liberation of angiogenic factors can be an important step in carcinogenesis. For example, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is liberated by several cancer cells and plays a crucial role in cancer angiogenesis. The demonstration that certain animal tumors regress when angiogenesis is inhibited has provided the most compelling evidence for the role of angiogenesis in tumor growth. Other cancers that are associated with neovascularization include hemangioendotheliomas, hemangiomas and Kaposi's sarcoma.

[0085] Proliferation of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells is the main feature of neovascularization. The invention is useful in inhibiting such proliferation, and therefore in inhibiting or arresting altogether the progression of the angiogenic condition which depends in whole or in part upon such neovascularization. The invention is particularly useful when the condition has an additional element of endothelial or vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation that is not necessarily associated with neovascularization. For example, psoriasis may additionally involve endothelial cell proliferation that is independent of the endothelial cell proliferation associated with neovascularization. Likewise, a solid tumor which requires neovascularization for continued growth may also be a tumor of endothelial or vascular smooth muscle cells. In this case, growth of the tumor cells themselves, as well as the neovascularization, is inhibited by the compounds described herein.

[0086] The invention is also useful for the treatment of fibrotic disorders such as fibrosis and other medical complications of fibrosis which result in whole or in part from the proliferation of fibroblasts. Medical conditions involving fibrosis (other than atherosclerosis, discussed below) include undesirable tissue adhesion resulting from surgery or injury.

[0087] Other cell proliferative disorders which can be treated by means of the invention include arteriosclerotic conditions. Arteriosclerosis is a term used to describe a thickening and hardening of the arterial wall. An arteriosclerotic condition as used herein means classical atherosclerosis, accelerated atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic lesions and any other arteriosclerotic conditions characterized by undesirable endothelial and/or vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, including vascular complications of diabetes.

[0088] Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells is a main pathological feature in classical atherosclerosis. It is believed that liberation of growth factors from endothelial cells stimulates the proliferation of subintimal smooth muscle which, in turn, reduces the caliber and finally obstructs the artery. The invention is useful in inhibiting such proliferation, and therefore in delaying the onset of, inhibiting the progression of, or even halting the progression of such proliferation and the associated atherosclerotic condition.

[0089] Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells produces accelerated atherosclerosis, which is the main reason for failure of heart transplants that are not rejected. This proliferation is also believed to be mediated by growth factors, and can ultimately result in obstruction of the coronary arteries. The invention is useful in inhibiting such obstruction and reducing the risk of, or even preventing, such failures.

[0090] Vascular injury can also result in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. The injury can be caused by any number of traumatic events or interventions, including vascular surgery and balloon angioplasty. Restenosis is the main complication of successful balloon angioplasty of the coronary arteries. It is believed to be caused by the release of growth factors as a result of mechanical injury to the endothelial cells lining the coronary arteries. Thus, by inhibiting unwanted endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation, the compounds described herein can be used to delay, or even avoid, the onset of restenosis.

[0091] Other atherosclerotic conditions which can be treated or prevented by means of the present invention include diseases of the arterial walls that involve proliferation of endothelial and/or vascular smooth muscle cells, such as complications of diabetes, diabetic glomerulosclerosis and diabetic retinopathy.

[0092] The compounds described herein are also potent antineoplastic agents and are therefore useful in treating or preventing various types of neoplastic diseases. Neoplastic diseases which can be treated by means of the present invention include, but are not limited to, biliary tract cancer; brain cancer, including glioblastomas and medulloblastomas; breast cancer; cervical cancer; choriocarcinoma; colon cancer; endometrial cancer; esophageal cancer; gastric cancer; hematological neoplasms, including acute and chronic lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma, AIDS associated leukemias and adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma; intraepithelial neoplasms, including Bowen's disease and Paget's disease; liver cancer; lung cancer; lymphomas, including Hodgkin's disease and lymphocytic lymphomas; neuroblastomas; oral cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma; ovarian cancer, including those arising from epithelial cells, stromal cells, germ cells and mesenchymal cells; pancreas cancer; prostate cancer; rectal cancer; sarcomas, including leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma; skin cancer, including melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, basocellular cancer and squamous cell cancer; testicular cancer, including germinal tumors (seminoma, non-seminoma (teratomas, choriocarcinomas)), stromal tumors and germ cell tumors; thyroid cancer, including thyroid adenocarcinoma and medullar carcinoma; and renal cancer including adenocarcinoma and Wilms tumor.

[0093] The compounds of the invention are useful with hormone dependent and also with nonhormone dependent cancers. They also are useful with prostate and breast cancers. They further are useful with multidrug resistant strains of cancer.

[0094] In addition to the particular disorders enumerated above, the invention is also useful in treating or preventing dermatological diseases including keloids, hypertrophic scars, seborrheic dermatosis, papilloma virus infection (e.g., producing verruca vulgaris, verruca plantaris, verruca plan, condylomata, etc.), eczema and epithelial precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis; other inflammatory diseases including proliferative glomerulonephritis; lupus erythematosus; scleroderma; temporal arthritis; thromboangiitis literans; mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome; and other pathologies mediated by growth factors including uterine leiomyomas.

[0095] The compounds and methods of the invention provide myriad advantages over agents and methods commonly used to treat sickle cell disease and/or cell proliferative disorders. The compounds and methods of the invention also provide myriad advantages over the treatment of sickle cell disease and/or cell proliferative disorders with Clotrimazole or other antimycotic agents. For example, many of the compounds of the invention are more potent than Clotrimazole in in vitro tests, and therefore may provide consequential therapeutic advantages in clinical settings.

[0096] Most significantly, the compounds of the invention have reduced toxicity as compared with Clotrimazole and other antimycotic agents. For Clotrimazole, it is well-known that the imidazole moiety is responsible for inhibiting a wide range of cytochrome P-450 isozyme catalyzed reactions, which constitutes their main toxicological effects (Pappas and 2b Franklin, 1993, Toxicoloqy 80:27-35; Matsuura et-al., 1991, Biochemical Pharmacology 41:1949-1956). Analogues and metabolites of Clotrimazole do not induce cytochrome P-450 (Matsuura et al., 1991, Biochemical Pharmacology 41:1949-1956), and therefore do not share Clotrimazole's toxicity.

[0097] 5.1 The Compounds

[0098] The compounds which are capable of inhibiting the Gardos channel and/or mammalian cell proliferation according to the invention are generally substituted 11-phenyl dibenzazepine compounds. In one illustrative embodiment, the compounds capable of inhibiting the Gardos channel and/or mammalian cell proliferation according to the invention are compounds having the structural formula:

[0099] wherein:

[0100] R₁ is —R′, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl or substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl;

[0101] R₂ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl;

[0102] R₃ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₁-C₂₀) aryleno;

[0103] R₄ is —R₁, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno;

[0104] each of R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′, halogen and trihalomethyl;

[0105] R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(S)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(S)OR″, —C(O)SR″, —C(S)SR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)N(R″)₂₁—C(O)C(O)R″, —C(S)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(S)R″, —C(S)C(S)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″, —C(S)C(O)OR″, —C(O)C(S)OR″, —C(O)C(O)SR″, —C(S)C(S)OR″, —C(S)C(O)SR″, —C(O)C(S)SR″, —C(S)C(S)SR″, —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)C(O)N(R″)₂₁—C(O)C(S)N(R″)₂ or —C(S)C(S)N(R″)₂;

[0106] each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl;

[0107] each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₁-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₀) substituted aryl, (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl and substituted (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl; and

[0108] the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —SR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl and trihalomethyl.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compounds are those of structure (I) wherein the chalcogens are each oxygen.

[0110] In another preferred embodiment, the compounds are those of structure (I) wherein the halogens are each independently —F, —Cl, —Br or —I.

[0111] In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups are each independently (C₁-C₃) and/or the aryl groups are phenyl and/or the aryleno groups are benzeno.

[0112] In another preferred embodiment, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₃ are each independently —R′.

[0113] In another preferred embodiment, the substituted aryl and alkaryl are mono-substituted.

[0114] In another preferred embodiment, R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R₁₁, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂.

[0115] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compounds are those of structural formula (I) wherein:

[0116] R₁ is —R′ or (C₁-C₁₀) aryl;

[0117] R₂ is —R′ or —OR′;

[0118] R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno;

[0119] R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno;

[0120] each of R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′ and halogen;

[0121] R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R₁₁)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂;

[0122] each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl;

[0123] each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl and substituted (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl; and

[0124] the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl.

[0125] In another preferred embodiment, the compounds are those of formula (I) wherein:

[0126] R₁ is —R′ or (C₆-C₁₀) aryl;

[0127] R₂ is —R′ or —OR′;

[0128] R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₁₄, is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno;

[0129] R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno;

[0130] each of R₅, R₆ and R₇ is —H;

[0131] R₈ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I;

[0132] each of R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is —H;

[0133] R₁₂ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I;

[0134] R₁₃ is —H;

[0135] R₁₄ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I;

[0136] R₁₅ is —R₁, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R′″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂;

[0137] each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl;

[0138] each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl, (C₁-C₃) alkynyl, (C₁-C₁₀) aryl, substituted (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl or substituted (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl; and

[0139] the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl.

[0140] In still another preferred embodiment, the compounds are those of structural formula (I) wherein:

[0141] R₁ is —R′ or phenyl;

[0142] R₂ is —R′ or —OR′;

[0143] R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₄, is benzeno;

[0144] R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃, is benzeno;

[0145] each of R₅, R₆ and R₇ is —H;

[0146] R₅ is —R′, —Cl or —Br;

[0147] each of R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is —H;

[0148] R₁₂ is —R′, —F or —Cl;

[0149] R₁₃ is —H;

[0150] R₁₄ is —R′ or —Cl;

[0151] R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)NHR″, —C(O)C(O)R″ or —C(O)C(O)OR″;

[0152] each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl;

[0153] each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl, (C₁-C₃) alkynyl, (C₁-C₁₀) aryl, mono-substituted (C₆-C₁₃) aryl, (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl or mono-substituted (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl; and

[0154] the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, —Cl, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃)alkynyl.

[0155] In still another preferred embodiment, the compounds of the invention are as follows:

[0156] In yet another preferred embodiment, the compounds are those of structural formula (I), with the proviso that when R₁ and R₁₅ are each —R′, at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ or R₁₄ is other than —R′, R₈ is other than —R′ or halogen and at least three of R₂ R₃, R₄ and R₅ are other than —OR′.

[0157] In yet another preferred embodiment, the compounds are those of structural formula (I), with the proviso that when R₁ and R₁₅ are each —H, at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ or R₁₄ is other than —H, R₈ is other than —H or —Cl and at least three of R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are other than —OCH₃.

[0158] In a final preferred embodiment, the compounds of the invention are not 11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 11-phenyl-9-halo-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 11-phenyl-9-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-1,2,3-trialkoxy-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-1,2,3-trimethoxy-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-2,3,4-trialkoxy-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine and/or 11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-2,3,4-trimethoxy-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine.

[0159] The chemical formulae referred to herein may exhibit the phenomena of tautomerism, conformational isomerism, stereo isomerism or geometric isomerism. As the formulae drawings within this specification can represent only one of the possible tautomeric, conformational isomeric, enantiomeric or geometric isomeric forms, it should be understood that the invention encompasses any tautomeric, conformational isomeric, enantiomeric or geometric isomeric forms which exhibit biological or pharmacological activity as described herein.

[0160] The compounds of the invention may be in the form of free acids, free bases or pharmaceutically effective salts thereof. Such salts can be readily prepared by treating a compound with an appropriate acid. Such acids include, by way of example and not limitation, inorganic acids such as hydrohalic acids (hydrochloric, hydrobromic, etc.), sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.; and organic acids such as acetic acid, propanoic acid, 2-hydroxyacetic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-oxopropanoic acid, propandioic acid, butandioic acid, etc. Conversely, the salt can be converted into the free base form by treatment with alkali.

[0161] In addition to the above-described compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, the invention may employ, where applicable, solvated as well as unsolvated forms of the compounds (e.g. hydrated forms).

[0162] The compounds described herein may be prepared by any processes known to be applicable to the preparation of chemical compounds. Suitable processes are well known in the art. Preferred processes are illustrated by the representative examples. Additional methods are described in copending application Ser. No. ______, entitled “SYNTHESIS OF 11-ARYL-5,6-DIHYDRO-11H[b,e]AZEPINES, filed concurrently herewith (Attorney Docket No. PEL97-06), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Necessary starting materials may be obtained commercially or by standard procedures of organic chemistry. Moreover, many of the compounds are commercially available.

[0163] An individual compound's relevant activity and potency as an agent to affect sickle cell dehydration or deformation and/or mammalian cell proliferation may be determined using standard techniques. Preferentially, a compound is subject to a series of screens to determine its pharmacological activity.

[0164] In most cases, the active compounds of the invention exhibit two pharmacological activities: inhibition of the Gardos channel of erythrocytes and inhibition of mammalian cell proliferation. However, in some cases, the compounds of the invention may exhibit only one of these pharmacological activities. Any compound encompassed by formula (I) which exhibits at least one of these pharmacological activities is considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0165] In general, the active compounds of the invention are those which induce at least about 25% inhibition of the Gardos channel of erythrocytes (measured at about 10 FM) and/or about 25% inhibition of mammalian cell proliferation (measured at about 10 μM), as measured using in vitro assays that are commonly known in the art (see, e.g., Brugnara et al., 1993, J. Biol. Chem. 268(12):8760-8768; Benzaquen et al., 1995, Nature Medicine 1:534-540). Alternatively, or in addition, the active compounds of the invention generally will have an IC₅₀ (concentration of compound that yields 50% inhibition) for inhibition of the Gardos channel of less than about 10 μM and/or an IC₅₀ for inhibition of cell proliferation of less than about 10 μM, as measured using in vitro assays that are commonly known in the art (see, e.g., Brugnara et al., 1993, J. Biol. Chem. 268(12):8760-8768; Benzaquen et al., 1995, Nature Medicine 1:534-540).

[0166] Representative active compounds according to the invention include Compounds 1 through 35, as illustrated above.

[0167] In certain embodiments of the invention, compounds which exhibit only one pharmacological activity, or a higher degree of one activity, may be preferred. Thus, when the compound is to be used in methods to treat or prevent sickle cell disease, or in methods to reduce sickle cell dehydration and/or delay the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling or deformation in situ, it is preferred that the compound exhibit at least about 75% Gardos channel inhibition (measured at about 10 μM) and/or have an IC₅₀ for Gardos channel inhibition of less than about 1 μM, with at least about 90% inhibition and/or an IC., of less than about 0.1 μM being particularly preferred. Even more preferred are compounds which meet both the % inhibition and IC₅₀ criteria.

[0168] Exemplary preferred compounds for use in methods related to Gardos channel inhibition and sickle cell disease include Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 18, 29 and 35, with Compounds 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 29 and 35 being particularly preferred.

[0169] When the compound is to be used in methods to treat or prevent disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation or in methods to inhibit cell proliferation in situ, it is preferable that the compound exhibit at least about 75% inhibition of mitogen-induced cell proliferation (measured at about 10 μM) and/or have an IC₅₀ of cell proliferation of less than about 3.5 μM, with at least about 90% inhibition and/or an IC₅₀ of less than about 1 μM being particularly preferred. Even more preferred are compounds which meet both the t inhibition and IC₅₀ criteria.

[0170] Exemplary preferred compounds for use in methods of inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation or for the treatment or prevention of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation include Compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34, with Compounds 14, 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31 being particularly preferred.

[0171] 5.2 Formulation and Routes of Administration

[0172] The compounds described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts or hydrates thereof, can be delivered to a patient using a wide variety of routes or modes of administration. Suitable routes of administration include, but are not limited to, inhalation, transdermal, oral, rectal, transmucosal, intestinal and parenteral administration, including intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections.

[0173] The compounds described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or hydrates thereof, may be administered singly, in combination with other compounds of the invention, and/or in cocktails combined with other therapeutic agents of course, the choice of therapeutic agents that can be co-administered with the compounds of the invention will depend, in part, on the condition being treated.

[0174] For example, when administered to patients suffering from sickle cell disease, the compounds of the invention can be administered in cocktails containing agents used to treat the pain, infection and other symptoms and side effects commonly associated with sickle cell disease. Such agents include, e.g., analgesics, antibiotics, etc. The compounds can also be administered in cocktails containing other agents that are commonly used to treat sickle cell disease, including butyrate and butyrate derivatives (Perrine et al., 1993, N. Enal. J. Med. 328(2):81-86); hydroxyurea (Charache et al., 1995, N. Encl. J. Med. 323(20):1317-1322); erythropoietin (Goldberg et al, 1990, N. Encl. J. Med. 323(6): 366-372); and dietary salts such as magnesium (De Franceschi et al., 1996, Blood 88(648a):2580).

[0175] When administered to a patient undergoing cancer treatment, the compounds may be administered in cocktails containing other anti-cancer agents and/or supplementary potentiating agents. The compounds may also be administered in cocktails containing agents that treat the side-effects of radiation therapy, such as anti-emetics, radiation protectants, etc.

[0176] Anti-cancer drugs that can be co-administered with the compounds of the invention include, e.g., Aminoglutethimide; Asparaginase; Bleomycin; Busulfan; Carboplatin; Carmustine (BCNU); Chlorambucil; Cisplatin (cis-DDP); Cyclophosphamide; Cytarabine HCl; Dacarbazine; Dactinomycin; Daunorubicin HCl; Doxorubicin HCl; Estramustine phosphate sodium; Etoposide (VP-16); Floxuridine; Fluorouracil (5-FU); Flutamide; Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide); Ifosfamide; Interferon Alfa-2a, Alfa 2b, Lueprolide acetate (LHRH-releasing factor analogue); Lomustine (CCNU); Mechlorethamine HCl (nitrogen mustard); Melphalan; Mercaptopurine; Mesna; Methotrexate (MTX); Mitomycin; Mitotane (o.p′-DDD); Mitoxantrone HCl; Octreotide; Plicamycin; Procarbazine HCl; Streptozocin; Tamoxifen citrate; Thioguanine; Thiotepa; Vinblastine sulfate; Vincristine sulfate; Amsacrine (m-AMSA); Azacitidine; Hexamethylmelamine (HMM); Interleukin 2; Mitoguazone (methyl-GAG; methyl glyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone; MGBG); Pentostatin; Semustine (methyl-CCNU); Teniposide (VM-26); paclitaxel and other taxanes; and Vindesine sulfate.

[0177] Supplementary potentiating agents that can be co-administered with the compounds of the invention include, e.g., Tricyclic anti-depressant drugs (e.g., imipramine, desipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, protriptyline, amoxapine and maprotiline); non-tricyclic and anti-depressant drugs (e.g., sertraline, trazodone and citalopram); Ca⁺⁺ antagonists (e.g., verapamil, nifedipine, nitrendipine and caroverine); Amphotericin (e.g., Tween 80 and perhexiline maleate); Triparanol analogues (e.g., tamoxifen); antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., quinidine); antihypertensive drugs (e.g., reserpine); Thiol depleters (e.g., buthionine and sulfoximine); and calcium leucovorin.

[0178] The active compound(s) may be administered per se or in the form of a pharmaceutical composition wherein the active compound(s) is in admixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or diluents. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with the present invention may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the active compounds into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.

[0179] For injection, the agents of the invention may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer. For transmucosal administration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art.

[0180] For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated readily by combining the active compound(s) with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art. Such carriers enable the compounds of the invention to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, for oral ingestion by a patient to be treated. Pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained solid excipient, optionally grinding a resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents-may be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

[0181] Dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings. For this purpose, concentrated sugar solutions may be used, which may optionally contain gum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments may be added to the tablets or dragee coatings for identification or to characterize different combinations of active compound doses.

[0182] Pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fit capsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added. All formulations for oral administration should be in dosages suitable for such administration.

[0183] For buccal administration, the compositions may take the form of tablets or lozenges formulated in conventional manner.

[0184] For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of e.g. gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

[0185] The compounds may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.

[0186] Pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form. Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared as appropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyl cleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions.

[0187] Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water, before use.

[0188] The compounds may also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter 2°: or other glycerides.

[0189] In addition to the formulations described previously, the compounds may also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation or transcutaneous delivery (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly), intramuscular injection or a transdermal patch. Thus, for example, the compounds may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.

[0190] The pharmaceutical compositions also may comprise suitable solid or gel phase carriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipients include but are not limited to calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymers such as polyethylene glycols.

[0191] 5.3 Effective Dosages

[0192] Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use with the present invention include compositions wherein the active ingredient is contained in a therapeutically effective amount, i.e., in an amount effective to achieve its intended purpose. Of course, the actual amount effective for a particular application will depend, inter alia, on the condition being treated. For example, when administered in methods to reduce sickle cell dehydration and/or delay the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling or distortion in situ, such compositions will contain an amount of active ingredient effective to achieve this result. When administered in methods to inhibit cell proliferation, such compositions will contain an amount of active ingredient effective to achieve this result. When administered to patients suffering from sickle cell disease or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such compositions will contain an amount of active ingredient effective to, inter alia, prevent the development of or alleviate the existing symptoms of, or prolong the survival me of, the patient being treated. For use in the treatment of cancer, a therapeutically effective amount further includes that amount of compound which arrests or regresses the growth of a tumor. Determination of an effective amount is well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, especially in light of the detailed disclosure herein.

[0193] For any compound described herein the therapeutically effective amount can be initially determined from cell culture arrays. Target plasma concentrations will be those concentrations of active compound(s) that are capable of inducing at least about 25% inhibition of the Gardos channel and/or at least about 25% inhibition of cell proliferation in cell culture assays, depending, of course, on the particular desired application. Target plasma concentrations of active compound(s) that are capable of inducing at least about 50%, 75%, or even 90% or higher inhibition of the Gardos channel and/or cell proliferation in cell culture assays are preferred. The percentage of inhibition of the Gardos channel and/or cell proliferation in the patient can be monitored to assess the appropriateness of the plasma drug concentration achieved, and the dosage can be adjusted upwards or downwards to achieve the desired percentage of inhibition.

[0194] Therapeutically effective amounts for use in humans can also be determined from animal models. For example, a dose for humans can be-formulated to achieve a circulating concentration that has been found to be effective in animals. A particularly useful animal model for sickle cell disease is the SAD mouse model (Trudel et al., 1991, EMBO J. 11:3157-3165). Useful animal models for diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation are well-known in the art. In particular, the following references provide suitable animal models for cancer xenografts (Corbett et al., 1996, J. Exp. Ther. Oncol. 1:95-108; Dykes et al., 1992, Contrib. Oncol. Basel. Karger 42:1-22), restenosis (Carter et al., 1994, J. Am. Coll. Cardiol: 24(5):1398-1405), atherosclerosis (Zhu et al., 1994, Cardiolocy 85(6):370-377) and neovascularization (Epstein et al., 1987, Cornea 6(4):250-257). The dosage in humans can be adjusted by monitoring Gardos channel inhibition and/or inhibition of cell proliferation and adjusting the dosage upwards or downwards, as described above.

[0195] A therapeutically effective dose can also be determined from human data for compounds which are known to exhibit similar pharmacological activities, such as Clotrimazole and other antimycotic agents (see, e.g., Brugnara et al., 1995, JPET 273:266-272; Benzaquen et al., 1995, Nature Medicine 1:534-540; Brugnara et al., 1996, J. Clin. Invest. 97(5):1227-1234). The applied dose can be adjusted based on the relative bioavailability and potency of the administered compound as compared with Clotrimazole.

[0196] Adjusting the dose to achieve maximal efficacy in humans based on the methods described above and other methods as are well-known in the art is well within the capabilities of the ordinarily skilled artisan.

[0197] Of course, in the case of local administration, the systemic circulating concentration of administered compound will not be of particular importance. In such instances, the compound is administered so as to achieve a concentration at the local area effective to achieve the intended result.

[0198] For use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of sickle cell disease, including both chronic sickle cell episodes and acute sickle cell crisis, a circulating concentration of administered compound of about 0.001 μM to 20 μM is considered to be effective, with about 0.1 μM to 5 μM being preferred.

[0199] Patient doses for oral administration of the compounds described herein, which is the preferred mode of administration for prophylaxis and for treatment of chronic sickle cell episodes, typically range from about 80 mg/day to 16,000 mg/day, more typically from about 800 mg/day to 8000 mg/day, and most typically from about 800 mg/day to 4000 mg/day. Stated in terms of patient body weight, typical dosages range from about 1 to 200 mg/kg/day, more typically from about 10 to 100 mg/kg/day, and most typically from about 10 to 50 mg/kg/day. Stated in terms of patient body surface areas, typical dosages range from about 40 to 8000 mg/m²/day, more typically from about 400 to 4000 mg/m²/day, and most typically from about 400 to 2000 mg/m²/day.

[0200] For use in the treatment of disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, including cancer, arteriosclerosis and angiogenic conditions such as restenosis, a circulating concentration of administered compound of about 0.001 μM to 20 μM is considered to be effective, with about 0.1 μM to 5 μM being preferred.

[0201] Patient doses for oral administration of the compounds described herein for the treatment or prevention of cell proliferative disorders typically range from about 80 mg/day to 16,000 mg/day, more typically from about 800 mg/day to 8000 mg/day, and most typically from about 800 mg/day to 4000 mg/day. Stated in terms of patient body weight, typical dosages range from about 1 to 200 mg/kg/day, more typically from about 10 to 100 mg/kg/day, and most typically from about 10 to 50 mg/kg/day. Stated in terms of patient body surface areas, typical dosages range from about 40 to 8000 mg/m²/day, more typically firm about 400 to 4000 mg/m²/day, and most typically from about 400 to 2000 mg/m²/day.

[0202] For other modes of administration, dosage amount and interval can be adjusted individually to provide plasma levels of the administered compound effective for the particular clinical indication being treated. For example, if acute sickle crises are-the most dominant clinical manifestation, a compound according to the invention can be administered in relatively high concentrations multiple times per day. Alternatively, if the patient exhibits only periodic sickle cell crises on an infrequent or periodic or irregular basis, it may be more desirable to administer a compound of the invention at minimal effective concentrations and to use a less frequent regimen of administration. This will provide a therapeutic regimen that is commensurate with the severity of the sickle cell disease state.

[0203] For use in the treatment of tumorigenic cancers, the compounds can be administered before, during or after surgical removal of the tumor. For example, the compounds can be administered to the tumor via injection into the tumor mass prior to surgery in a single or several doses. The tumor, or as much as possible of the tumor, may then be removed surgically. Further dosages of the drug at the tumor site can be applied post removal. Alternatively, surgical removal of as much as possible of the tumor can precede administration of the compounds at the tumor site.

[0204] Combined with the teachings provided herein, by choosing among the various active compounds and weighing factors such as potency, relative bioavailability, patient body weight, severity of adverse side-effects and preferred mode of administration, an effective prophylactic or therapeutic treatment regimen can be planned which does not cause substantial toxicity and yet is entirely effective to treat the clinical symptoms demonstrated by the particular patient of course, many factors are important in determining a therapeutic regimen suitable for a particular indication or patient. Severe indications such as cancer may warrant administration or higher dosages as compared with less severe indications such as sickle cell disease.

[0205] 5.4 Toxicity

[0206] The ratio between toxicity and therapeutic effect for a particular compound is its therapeutic index and can be expressed as the ratio between LD₅₀ (the amount of compound lethal in 50% of the population) and ED₅₀ (the amount of compound effective in 50% of the population). Compounds which exhibit high therapeutic indices are preferred. Therapeutic index data obtained from cell culture assays and/or animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosages for use in humans. The dosage of such compounds preferably lies within a range of plasma concentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition. (See e.g. Fingl et al., 1975, In: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Ch. 1 μl).

[0207] The invention having been described, the following examples are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention.

6. EXAMPLE Compound Syntheses

[0208] This Example demonstrates general methods for synthesizing the compounds of the invention, as well as preferred methods for synthesizing certain exemplary compounds of the invention. In all the reaction schemes described herein, suitable starting materials are either commercially available or readily obtainable using standard techniques of organic synthesis. Where necessary, suitable groups and schemes for protecting the various functionalities are well-known in the art, and can be found, for example, in Kocienski, Protecting Groups, Georg Thieme Verlag, New York, 1994 and Greene & Wuts, Protective Groups in Oraanic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1991.

[0209] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the various substituents are as defined for structure (I).

[0210] 6.1 Synthesis of 11-Aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepines

[0211] This example provides a general method for synthesizing substituted 11-aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine compounds according to the invention. A general reaction scheme is provided in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, R₂-R₁₅ are as previously defined for structural formula (I).

[0212] Referring to FIG. 1, a mixture of an appropriately substituted 2-aminobenzophenone 100 (1 equivalent), an appropriately substituted benzyl chloride 102 (1 equivalent), potassium carbonate (2 equivalents) and sodium iodide (1 equivalent) in acetonitrile is refluxed for 12 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and water added. The mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate extracts are washed with water then dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent followed by column chromatography gives the substituted N-alkyl-2-aminobenzophenone derivative 104 in about 55-80% yield.

[0213] The substituted N-alkyl-2-aminobenzophenone derivative 104 (1 equivalent) is dissolved in a 3:1 mixture of tetrahydrofuran:methanol. Sodium borohydride (10 equivalents) is slowly added and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The reaction is quenched by adding 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution. The reaction mixture is neutralized by adding 4 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate extracts are dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent followed by column chromatography gives the substituted N-alkyl-2-amino-benzyl alcohol derivative 106 in about 40-60% yield.

[0214] A mixture of the substituted N-alkyl-2-amino-benzylalcohol derivative 106 (1 equivalent), phosphorous pentoxide (5 equivalents) and methanesulfonic acid (5 equivalents) in dichloromethane is stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The mixture is neutralized by adding aqueous sodium carbonate and then extracted with dichloromethane. The organic solution is dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent followed by column chromatography gives the substituted 11-aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine derivative 108 in about 45-70% yield.

[0215] The substituted 11-aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine derivative 108 (1 equivalent) is combined with potassium carbonate (3.5 equivalents) and alkyl or acyl halide (3 equivalents) in acetonitrile and stirred at room temperature for two days. Water is added and the mixture is stirred for 15 min. at room temperature and extracted with ethyl acetate. Evaporation of the solvent gives the crude product as an oil. Tituration of the product from ethanol followed by washing with hexane gives the pure N-substituted 11-aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine product 110 as a white solid in 30-80% yield.

[0216] Alternatively, the substituted 11-aryl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepines can be synthesized from appropriate starting materials according to the methods described in Sasakura and Sugasawa, 1981, Heterocycles 15:421-425.

[0217] 6.2 Synthesis of 11-Aryl-11-substituted-5,6-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]azepines

[0218] This example provides a general method for synthesizing 11-aryl-11-substituted-5,6-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]azepine compounds according to the invention. A general reaction scheme is provided in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, R₁-R₁₅ are as previously defined for structural formula (I).

[0219] Referring to FIG. 2, the substituted N-alkyl-2-aminobenzophenone derivative 104 is prepared as described in Section 6.1, supra. To a solution (0.25 M) of an approriate grignard reagent in diethyl ether at −40° C. is added a solution (0.1 M) of the substituted N-alkyl-2-aminobenzophenone derivative 104 in diethyl ether. The mixture is stirred at −40° C. for 30 min., warmed to room temperature and quenched with water. Extraction with ethyl acetate and evaporation of the solvent gives the crude alcohol product 112 as an oil. The alcohol product 112 is purified by column chromatography to give the pure alcohol product 112 as a white solid in 85-90% yield.

[0220] Compound 112 (1 equivalent) is dissolved in dichloromethane to 0.5-1.0 M. Phosphorous pentoxide (4 equivalents) and methane sulfonic acid (4 equivalents) are added and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction is quenched with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate. Evaporation of the solvent followed by column chromatography gives the 11-aryl-11-substituted-5,6-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]azepine 114 in about 90% yield.

[0221] The 11-aryl-11-substituted-5,6-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]azepine 114 can be converted to the corresponding N-substituted-11-aryl-11-substituted-5,6-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]azepine 116 as described in Section 6.1, supra.

[0222] 6.3 Synthesis of N-Methoxycarbonyl-11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 9)

[0223] A preferred method of synthesis of N-methoxycarbonyl-11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 9) is as follows: A mixture of 0.3 g (0.00098 mole) of 11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 1.08 g (0.0078 mole) of potassium carbonate and 1.54 g (0.016 mole) of methyl chloroformate in 10 mL of acetonitrile, was refluxed for 12 hours. The mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and stirred with 15 mL of water for 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×15 mL). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation gave the crude product as a brown solid. Trituration of the crude product with ethanol and washing the obtained solid with hexane gave 0.172 g (48% yield) of a white solid having a melting point of 159-161° C.

[0224] The product gave the following analytical data: NMR (CDCl₃): δ 3.10 ppm (3H, s, OCH₃); δ 4.45 ppm (1H, d, J=10 Hz, CH₂N); δ 5.48 ppm (1H, s, CH); δ 5.82 ppm (1H, d, J=10 Hz, CH₂N); δ 6.94 ppm (1H, m, aryl); δ 7.10 ppm (4H, m, aryl); & 7.28 ppm (6H, m, aryl); δ 7.69 ppm (1H, m, aryl).

[0225] 6.4 Synthesis of N-Phenoxycarbonyl-11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 14)

[0226] A preferred method of synthesis of N-phenoxycarbonyl-11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 14) is as follows: A mixture of 0.25 g (0.00092 mole) of 11-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[bte]azepine, 0.318 g (0.0023 mole) of potassium carbonate and 0.318 g (0.002 mole) of phenyl chloroformate in 10 mL of acetonitrile, was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The mixture was stirred with 15 mL of water for 15 minutes and then extracted with ethyl acetate (2×35 mL). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation gave the crude product as an oily material. Trituration of the obtained oil with ethanol then washing it with hexane gave 0.285 g (80% yield) of a white solid having a melting point of 155-165° C.

[0227] The product gave the following analytical data: NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.46 ppm (1H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂N); δ 5.28 ppm (1H, s, CH); δ 5.69 ppm (1H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂N); δ 6.52 ppm (2H, m, aryl); δ 6.98 ppm (2H, m, aryl); & 7.14-7.42 ppm (13H, m, aryl); δ 7.58 (1H, m, aryl).

[0228] 6.5 Synthesis of N-Phenoxycarbonyl-11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 26)

[0229] A preferred method of synthesis of N-phenoxycarbonyl-11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 26) is as follows: A mixture of 0.2 g (0.00065 mole) of 11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 0.18 g (0.0013 mole) of potassium carbonate and 0.204 g (0.0013 mole) of phenyl chloroformate in 10 mL of acetonitrile, was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The mixture was stirred with 15 mL of water for 10 minutes and then extracted with ethyl acetate (2×35 mL). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Trituration of the obtained residue with ethanol then washing it with hexane gave 0.082 g (30% yield) of a white solid having a melting point of 95-99° C.

[0230] The product gave the following analytical data: NMR (CDCl₃): δ 4.50 ppm (1H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂N); S 5.58 ppm (1H, s, CH); δ 5.80 ppm (1H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂N); δ 6.52 ppm (2H, m, aryl); δ 7.06-7.38 ppm (14H, m, aryl); δ 7.79 ppm (1H, m, aryl).

[0231] 6.6 Synthesis of N-(4′-Nitrobenzoyl)-11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 28)

[0232] A preferred method of synthesis of N-(4′-nitrobenzoyl)-11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-1H-dibenz[b,e]azepine (Compound 28) is as follows: A mixture of 0.2 g (0.00065 mole) of 11-(2′-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, 0.179 g (0.0013 mole) of potassium carbonate and 0.133 g (0.00072 mole) of 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride in 10 mL of acetonitrile, was stirred at room 26 μl temperature for 12 hours. The mixture was stirred with 15 mL of water for 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×15 mL). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation gave the crude product as a sticky solid. Trituration of the crude product with ethanol and washing the obtained solid with hexane gave 0.148 g (50% yield) of a white solid having a melting point of 178-181° C.

[0233] The product gave the following analytical data: NMR (CDCl₃): δ 4.42 ppm (1H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂N); δ 5.68 ppm (1H, s, CH); δ 6.36 ppm (1H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂N); δ 6.52 ppm (3H, m, aryl); δ 7.06 ppm (3H, m, aryl); δ 7.12 ppm (1H, m, aryl); δ 7.26 ppm (6H, m, aryl); δ 7.79 ppm (3H, m, aryl).

[0234] 6.7 Other Compounds

[0235] Other compounds of the invention can be synthesized by routine modification of the above-described syntheses, or by other methods that are well known in the art. Appropriate starting materials are commercially available or can be synthesized using routine methods.

7. EXAMPLE In Vitro Activity

[0236] This Example demonstrates the ability of several exemplary compounds of formula (I) to inhibit the Gardos channel of erythrocytes (Gardos channel assay) and/or mitogen-induced cell proliferation (mitogenic assay) in vitro. The assays are generally applicable for demonstrating the in vitro activity of other compounds of formula (I).

[0237] 7.1 Experimental Protocol

[0238] The percent inhibition of the Gardos channel (10 μM compound) and the IC₅₀ were determined as described in Brugnara et al., 1993, J. Biol. Chem. 268(12):8760-8768. The percent inhibition of mitogen-induced cell proliferation (10 μM compound) and the IC₅₀ were determined as described in Benzaquen et al. (1995, Nature Medicine 1:534-540) with NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells (ATCC No. CRL 1658). Other cell lines, e.g., cancer cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, as well as many others, may be used in the cell proliferation assay. Selection of a particular cell line will depend in part on the desired application, and is well within the capabilities of an ordinarily skilled artisan.

[0239] 7.2 Results

[0240] The results of the experiment are provided in TABLE 1, below. Clotrimazole is reported for purposes of comparison. TABLE 1 IN VITRO DATA FOR EXEMPLARY COMPOUNDS Mitogenic Assay Gardos Channel Assay IC₅₀ Inhibition IC₅₀ Inhibition Compound (μM) (%) (μM) (%) Clotrimazole 0.626 93.0 0.046 99.3  (1) 56.0 0.775 75.2  (2) 5.20 99.0 1.30 99.0  (3) 2.40 99.0 0.886 97.4  (4) 1.5 89.0 0.384 98.1  (5) 91.0 >10.0 14.4  (6) 87.0 0.236 97.5  (7) 1.60 99.0 >10.0 35.8  (8) 2.20 84.0 0  (9) 2.10 99.0 0.0850-0.093  97.3 (10) 53.0 1.533-1.940 63.0 (11) 32.0 >10.0 9.5 (12) 13.0 >10.0 54.8 (13) 1.7 97.0 0 (14) 0.04 98.0 >10.0 14.8 (15) 40.0 >10.0 9.50 (16) 1.7 99.0 >10.0 0.45 (17) 1.6 99.0 >10.0 20.6 (18) 2.6 99.0 0.502-0.692 81.5 (19) 1.6 99.0 >10.0 52.0 (20) 1.7 95.0 >10.0 13.6 (21) 2.7 93.0 >10.0 2.1 (22) 3.6 99.0 >10.0 14.9 (23) 55.0 >10.0 18.2 (24) 89.0 >10.0 32-55 (25) 75.0 >10.0 8.5 (26) 0.04-0.90 99.0 >10.0 0.8 (27) 2.20 99.0 >10.0 3.0 (28) 0.04-0.50 99.0 0 (29) 0.800 99.0 0.414-0.433 95.1 (30) 0.600 99.0 >10 14.6 (31) 0.400 99.0 >10 12.3 (32) 1.100 99.0 0 (33) 2.400 99.0 >10 67.5 (34) 4.00 99.0 >10 12.0 (35) 0 0.071-0.099 98.3

8. EXAMPLE Activity In Cancer Cell Lines

[0241] This Example demonstrates the antiproliferative effect of several exemplary compounds of formula (I) against a variety of cancer cell lines. The assays are generally applicable for demonstrating the antiproliferative activity of other compounds of formula (I).

[0242] 8.1 Growth of Cells

[0243] The antiproliferative assays described herein were performed using standard aseptic procedures and universal precautions for the use of tissues. Cells were propagated using RPMI 1640 media (Gibco) containing 2% or 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) (Biowhittaker) at 37° C., 5% CO₂ and 95% humidity. The cells were passaged using Trypsin (Gibco). Prior to addition of test compound, the cells were harvested, the cell number counted and seeded at 10,000 cells/well in 100 μl 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) containing RPXI medium in 96-well plates and incubated overnight at 37° C., 5% CO₂ and 95% humidity.

[0244] On the day of the treatment, stock solutions of the test compounds (10 mM compound/DMSO) were added in 100 μl FCS containing medium to a final concentration of 10-0.125 μM and the cells were incubated for 2, 3 or 5 days at 37° C., 5% CO₂ and 95% humidity.

[0245] Following incubation, the cellular protein was determined with the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay (Skehan et al., 1990, J.

[0246] Natl. Cancer Inst. 82:1107-1112). Growth inhibition, reported as the concentration of test compound which inhibited 50% of cell proliferation (IC.) was determined by curve fitting.

[0247] Values for VP-16, a standard anti-cancer agent, are provided for comparison.

[0248] Except for MMRU cells, all cancer cell lines tested were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, Md.). The ATCC assession numbers were as follows: HeLa (CCL-2); CaSki (CRL-1550); MDA-MB-231 (HTB-26); MCF-7 (HTB-22); A549 (CCL-185); HTB-174 (HTB-174); HEPG2 (HB-8065); DU-145 (HTB-81); SK-MEL-28 (HTB-72-); HT-29 (HTB-38); HCT-15 (CCL-225); ACHN(CRL-1611); U-118MG (HTB-15); SK-OV-3 (HTB-77).

[0249] MMRU cells (Stender et al., 1993, J. Dermatology 20:611-617) were a gift of one of the authors.

[0250] 8.2 Results

[0251] The results of the cell culture assays are presented in TABLES 2 and 3, below. TABLE 2 RESULTS OF SRB ASSAY 5% FCS/5 DAY INCUBATION Cancer Cell Test Compound IC₅₀ (μM) Type Line VP-16 13 16 17 20 21 22 23 27 28 30 31 33 34 35 Cervical HeLa <1.25 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.2 CaSki 1.8 0.9 0.9 0.5 0.7 0.5 Breast MDA-MB-23 <1.25 >1 >1 0.5 0.9 0.4 MCF7 <1.25 2.7 4.2 4.5 >1 3.5 1.8 3.1 0.5 0.6 1.3 0.7 2.1 2 2.4 Lung A549 <1.25 3.1 >5 >5 >1 4.2 1.9 3.4 1.1 0.8 1.5 0.6 3.1 >5 >5 HTB174 <1.25 1.4 2.6 3.6 0.7 1.9 1.4 1.8 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.2 1.4 0.9 4 Hepatocel HEPG2 <1.25 1.8 3.4 2.6 0.9 1.9 1.4 2.3 0.4 0.3 0.9 0.4 1.4 1.5 4.5 Prostate DU-145 <1.25 >1 >1 0.9 >1 0.9 Melanoma SK-MEL-28 <1.25 0.9 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.3 MMRU <1.25 1.5 2.7 2.5 0.5 1.5 0.9 2.2 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.2 1.3 1.2 3.1 Colon HT29 <1.25 1.5 2.6 1.7 0.7 1.8 0.7 2.1 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.2 1.2 1.6 4.8 HCT-15 1.3 0.9 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.3 Renal ACHN <1.25 >1 >1 0.7 >1 0.8 CNS U118MG 2.2 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.4 Ovary SK-OV-3 >1 >1 >1 >1 0.6 Normal HUVEC <1.25 >1 >1 0.7 >1 0.8 human GM 1.4 >1 >1 0.9 >1 >1 3T3 >1 >1 >1 >1 >1 mouse L929 <1.25 0.9 >1 0.6 >1 0.9

[0252] TABLE 3 RESULTS OF SRB ASSAY Conditions Test Compound IC₅₀ (μM) Value in Cell Lines Compound % FCS/days A549 HT29 MMRU MCF7 HEPG2 U118MG VP-16 2%/3 days 2.3 20 <2.5 <2.5  4 2%/3 days 11.4 9.7 4.6 1.7  5 5%/2 days 1.4 1 >10  6 5%/2 days >10 >10 10  7 5%/2 days >10 >10 >10 14 5%/2 days >10 10 >10 26 5%/3 days 7 7.2 4.9 5.9 5.4 5.7 27 5%/3 days <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 1.9 28 5%/3 days 1.8 <1.25 <1.25 2.1 <1.25 1.3 29 5%/2 days >10 >10 >10 30 5%/3 days 1.7 <1.25 <1.25 1.6 <1.25 <1.25 31 5%/3 days <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 <1.25 32 5%/3 days 6.9 6.3 4.9 5.4 6.2 6.8 33 5%/3 days 6.9 6.3 4.9 5.4 6.2 6.8 34 5%/2 days >10 6.8 >10 35 5%/2 days >10 10 >10

[0253] As can be seen in Tables 2 and 3, compounds which exhibited significant activity in the mitogenic assay described in Section 7, supra, exhibit significant antiproliferative activity against a variety of cancer cell lines and cancer types (IC., of less than about 10 μM).

[0254] Many of the compounds exhibit comparable or even greater antiproliferative activity against a variety of cancer cell types than VP-16, a known anti-cancer agent.

9. EXAMPLE Formulations

[0255] The following examples provide exemplary, not limiting, formulations for administering the compounds of the invention to mammalian, especially human, patients. Any of the compounds described herein, or pharmaceutical salts or hydrates thereof, may be formulated as provided in the following examples.

[0256] 9.1 Tablet Formulation

[0257] Tablets each containing 60 mg of active ingredient are made up as follows: Active Compound 60 mg Starch 45 mg Microcrystalline 45 mg Cellulose Sodium carboxymethyl 4.5 mg starch Talc 1 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone 4 mg (10% in water) Magnesium Stearate 0.5 mg 150 mg

[0258] The active ingredient, starch and cellulose are passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules are dried at 500-60° C. and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate and talc, previously passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules, which, after mixing are compressed by a tablet machine to yield tablets each weighing 150 mg.

[0259] Tablets can be prepared from the ingredients listed by wet granulation followed by compression.

[0260] 9.2 Gelatin Capsules

[0261] Hard gelatin capsules are prepared using the following ingredients; Active Compound 250 mg/capsule Starch dried 200 mg/capsule Magnesium Stearate 10 mg/capsule

[0262] The above ingredients are mixed and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 460 mg quantities.

[0263] 9.3 Aerosol Solution

[0264] An aerosol solution is prepared containing the following components: Active Compound 0.25% (w/w) Ethanol 29.75% (w/w) Propellant 22 77.00% (w/w) (Chlorodifluoromethane)

[0265] The active compound is mixed with ethanol and the mixture added to a portion of the propellant 22, cooled to −30° C. and transferred to a filling device. The required amount is then fed to a stainless steel container and diluted with the remainder of the propellant. The valve units are then fitted to the container.

[0266] 9.4 Suppositories

[0267] Suppositories each containing 225 mg of active ingredient are made as follows: Active Compound 225 mg Saturated fatty acid 2,000 mg glycerides

[0268] The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted using the minimum heat necessary. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2 g capacity and allowed to cool.

[0269] 9.5 Suspensions

[0270] Suspensions each containing 50 mg of medicament per 5 mL dose are made as follows: Active Compound 50 mg Sodium 50 mg carboxymethylcellulose Syrup 1.25 mL Benzoic acid solution 0.10 mL Flavor q.v. Color q.v. Purified water to 5 mL

[0271] The active ingredient is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor and some color are diluted with some of the water and added, with stirring sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

[0272] The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention various modifications of the above-described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the pharmaceutical arts or related Fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

[0273] All cited references are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference herein.

[0274] Clotrimazole (CLT), a drug marketed to fight fungal infections, inhibits cell proliferation by blocking Me cell cycle specifically in G1 through Ca²⁺ store-mediated inhibition of translation initiation. Although CLT may represent a promising anti-mitogenic therapeutic entity, it is known to be hepatotoxic via inhibition of cytochrome P450. The instant application relates to more effective and safer compounds inhibit the growth of tumour cells via similar mechanism to that of CLT The exemplary compound 28 has shown anti-proliferative activity in human cancer cell lines and XTT growth inhibition assays, for example, inhibits PC-3 prostate cancer cell growth. In vitro studies indicated that compound 28, like CLT, releases Ca from intracellular pools and inhibits capacitative Ca²⁺ influx into the cell. The activation of PKR or non-phosphorylation of eIF2α was also demonstarted using cells expressing a dominant negative PKR or non-phosphorylation of eIF2α. In addition, compound 28 was shown to inhibit cyclin D1 and E expression in vitro, which resulted in the induction of GO-GI cell cycle arrest In vivo efficacy studies exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the growth of PC-3 human prostate carcinoma in mouse xenograph with no sign of apparent toxicity.

[0275] Preliminary Toxicology:

[0276] The toxicological effects of CLT, and compounds 28, 30 and 31 were tested in CD-1 female mice. A dose of 80 mg/kg/day was given to each mouse via subcutaneous injection for a period of 14 days. Preliminary toxicological data was determined by measuring body weight, gross pathology of organs blood chemistry and histology, The vehicle used was DMF 12% +2% Tween 20 88%.

[0277] In Vitro Screening

[0278] Exemplary compounds 28, 30 and 31 have been screened, using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay to screen the anitiproliferative effects of the compounds against a panel of human cancer cells. The panel comprises 60 human cancer cell lines. The data obtained in his study was evaluated using the COMPARE algorithm. The results from these studies have shown that the above exemplary compounds exhibited activity against the human cell panel.

[0279] In Vivo Mouse Models of Hunan Tumors Cell line

[0280] NCI-A2058 human melanoma cell line was grown as monolayer culture in Minimum essential medium (D-NEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 0.1 mM non-essential amino acid, 1.0 mM sodium pyruvate, 100U/ml penicillin, 100 μg/ml streptomycin and 0.25 μg/ml amphoteficin B and L-alanyl-1-glutamine (2 mM) at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ in air. The tumor cells were routinely subcultured twice weekly by trypsin-EDTA treatment. The cells were harvested from subconfluent logarithmically growing culture by treatment with typsin-EDTA and counted for tumor inoculation.

[0281] Tumor Inoculation

[0282] An acclimation period of at least 7 days were allowed between animal receipt and commence of tumor inoculation When the female CD-1 nude mice were more than 6-7 weeks of age (20-25 g), each mouse was subcutaneously injected with 5.0×106 NCI-A2058 human melanoma cells in 0.1 ml of PBS solution at the right flank of the mice to induce tumor growth.

[0283] Results

[0284] All compounds were well tolerated and incompletely absorbed with a varying degree of deposition exhibiting the following rank order, compound 28=31<30. No toxicities to the hemopoesis and renal function were found but there was mild toxicity in regard to liver function. Histopathological data showed no systemic toxicity but there were the normal signs of skin rash caused by the injection of mildly irritating material.

[0285] The highest accumulation of each compound occurring at the site of injection were in the rank order of 30>31>28. There were no significant gains or losses to overall body weight in mice injected with CLT and CLT derivatives compared to age matched control animals. No differences were found between animals injected with CLT derivatives and control animals upon gross pathological examination of all mice and no systemic toxicity was observed between control and experimental animals.

[0286] WBC, RBC, BUN and creatine levels were measured, and again, no differences were found between animals injected with compounds 28, 30 and 31 (Table 4).

[0287] There was a slight elevation of SGPT and SGOT in animals injected with compounds CLT derivatives but these increases were not significant when compared to control animals (Table 5).

[0288] Preclinical Efficacy

[0289] The in vivo inhibition of tumor growth by the compounds in the dibenzazepine series compounds 28, 30 and 31, was determined in xenograft models of human cancer, specifically in a murine mouse model using squamous cell carcinoma (KLN-205) cells. Using this model, CLT and compounds 28, 30 and 31 significantly inhibited tumor growth after either subcutaneous injection or oral administration of 80 mg/kg/day for 30 days. In addition these studies confirmed the purposed mechanism of action showing that CLT and compound 28 abrogated cyclin D1 and PCNA expression in vivo in the KLN induced tumors. Furthermore, lung metastases were also significantly reduced in the animals used the KLN-205 study. In addition lung metastases were significantly reduced in nude mice inoculated with human melanoma MM-RU cells following oral administration or subcutaneous injection of compound 28.

[0290] Efficacy studies using mouse xenograft models showed Hat compound 28 significantly inhibited tmor growth of human cancers such as SU.86,86 pancreatic adenocarcinomna, H209 small lung cell carcinoma, H460 large cell lung carcinoma and A2058 metastatic melanoma. Although compounds 30 and 31 also showed inhibition of tumor growth in these models, the efficacy of compounds 30 and 31 was not significantly different from compound 28. In addition, preliminay toxicity studies in mice and rats indicated that no obvious systemic toxicity was observed in the animals treated with compound 28. Whether administered intraperitoneally, orally or subcutaneously, compound 28, did not cause significant body weight losses in treated animals and no abnormalities were detected upon gross observations of brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney and gastrointestinal tract.

[0291] The Calculated Measurement of Effect: Percentage Growth (PG)

[0292] The measured effect of the compound on a cell lie is currently calculated according to one or the other of the following two expressions:

[0293] If (Mean OD_(test)−Mean OD_(tzero))≧0. then

PG=100×Mean OD _(test)−Meant OD _(tzero))/(Mean OD _(ctri)−Mean OD _(tzero))

[0294] If (Mean OD_(test)−Mean OD_(tzero))<0.then

PG=100×(Mean OD_(test)−Mean OD _(tzero))/Mean OD _(tzero)

[0295] Where;

[0296] Mean OD_(tzero)=The average of optical deity measurements SRB-derived color just before exposure of cells to the test compound.

[0297] Mean OD_(test)=The average of optical dewy measurement of SRB-derived color after 48 hours exposure of cells to the test compound.

[0298] Mean OD_(ctri)=The average of optical density measurements of SRB-derived color after 48 hours with no exposure of cells to the test compound.

[0299] The Data Sheet:

[0300] This page of the data package presents the experimental data collected against each cell line. The first two colonel describe the subpanel (e.g. leukemia) and cell line (e.g. CCRF-CEM) involved The next two columns list the Mean OD_(tzero) and Mean OC_(ctri): the next five columns list the Mean OD_(test) for each of five different concentrations. Each concentration is expressed as the log₁₀ (molar or ug/ml), The net five columns list the calculated PGs for each concentration The response parameters GI50, TGI, and LC50 are interpolated values representing the concentrations at which the PG is +50.0, and −50, respectively. Sometimes these response parameters cannot be obtained by intexpolation. If, for instance, all of the PGs in a given row exceed +50, then none of the three parameters can be obtained by interpolation. In such a case, the value given for each response parameter is the highest concentration tested and is preceded by a “>” sign. This practice is extended similarly to the other possible situations where a response parameter cannot be obtained by interpolation.

[0301] Dose-Response Curves:

[0302] The dose-response curve page of the data package is created by plotting the PGs against the log₁₀ of the corresponding concentration for every cell line. The cell Me curves are grouped by subpanel. Horizontal lines are provided at the PG values of +50.0. and −50. The concentrations corresponding to points where the curves cross these lines are the GI50, TGI, and LC50, respectively.

[0303] The Mean Graphs:

[0304] Mean graphs facilitate visual scanning of data for potential patterns of selectivity for particular cell lines or for particular subpanels with respect to a selected response parameter. Differences in apparent selectivity patterns may occur for the same compound against the same cell lines when different parameters are-compared The mean graphs page of the data package shows mean graphs at each of the principal response parameters: GI50, TGI, and LC50. Bars extending to the right represent sensitivity of cells lie to the test agent in excess of the average sensitivity of all tested cell lines. Since the bar scale is logarithmic a bar 2 units to the right implies the compound achieved the response parameter (e.g. GI50) for the cell line at a concentration one-hundredth the mean concentration required over all cell lines, and-thus the cell line is usually sensitive to that compound. Bars extending to the left correspondingly imply sensitivity less than the mean. If for a particular drug and cell line it was not payable to determine the desired response parameter by interpolation, the bar length shown is either the highest concentration tested (and the listed log₁₀ of the response parameter will be preceded by a “>”) or the lowest concentration tested (and the listed log₁₀ will be preceded by a “<”).

[0305] The values at either limit (>or <) are also calculated in the mea-z used for the meangraph, Therefore, the mean used in the meangraph may not be the actual mean of the G150 for instance. For is reason, we shall refer to his value as the MG_MID (for meangraph midpoint). TABLE 4 Body and Liver Weight; WBC and RBC Counts of Untreated Mice, Vehicle Treated and Clotrimazole Analogues Treated Mice^(b) Body Weight Liver WBC RBC Groups^(a) Change (%) Weight (g) 10³/mm³ 10⁶/mm³ Normal 116 1.33 ± 0.04 7.8 ± 1.0 7.9 ± 0.7 Vehicle 114 1.43 ± 0.14 7.0 ± 2.4 7.7 ± 0.3 Compound 28 107 1.51 ± 0.08^(c) 7.5 ± 0.8 8.1 ± 0.6 Compound 30 108 1.52 ± 0.23 6.4 ± 1.7 8.2 ± 0.2 Compound 31 113 1.49 ± 0.04^(c) 7.2 ± 1.7 8.6 ± 1.6 NC212 116 1.76 ± 0.30 7.9 ± 1.9 7.5 ± 0.9 NC277 105 1.64 ± 0.13^(c) 7.5 ± 3.1 7.1 ± 0.7

[0306] TABLE 5 Lung Metastases, Body and Liver Weights of MM-RU Tumor-Bearing Mice after Receiving Vehicle, Compound 28 or CLT Treatments Body Wt. Liver Wt. Lung P Treatments^(a) Change (%) gram Metastases Value^(c) Vehicle 108 0.89 ± 0.15^(b) 82 ± 22 — Compound 28 107 0.97 ± 0.12 46 ± 12 0.001 80 mg/kg/d × 5/ w × 3 s.c. Compound 28 105 1.00 ± 0.09 45 ± 10 0.001 100 mg/kg/d × 28, p.o. CLT  86 1.19 ± 0.10 64 ± 20 0.119 120 mg/kg/d × 21, p.o.

[0307] TABLE 6 In-Vitro Testing Results Units: Molar MC: Compound (28) Stain Reagent: SRB Dual-P LogID Concentration Panel/ Time Mean Optical Densities Percent Growth Cell Line Zero Ctrl −8.0 −7.0 −6.0 −5.0 −4.0 −8.0 −7.0 −6.0 −5.0 −4.0 GI50 TGI LC50 Leukemia CCRF-CEM 0.289 0.509 0.433 0.397 0.311 0.255 0.280 66 49 10 −11 −3 9.29E−08 2.99E−06 >1.00E−04 HL-60 (TB) 0.671 1.718 1.470 1.410 1.097 0.726 0.667 76 71 41 5 1 4.89E−07 7.71E−05 >1.00E−04 K-562 0.198 1.753 1.470 1.258 0.783 0.590 0.601 82 68 38 25 26 3.94E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDLT-4 0.396 1.296 1.382 1.134 0.792 0.611 0.609 109 82 44 24 24 7.00E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 RPMI-8226 0.410 1.804 1.436 1.261 1.047 0.916 0.578 74 61 46 36 12 5.22E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SR 0.329 0.874 0.763 0.794 0.556 0.491 0.446 76 85 42 30 21 6.43E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549/ATCC 0.237 1.210 1.180 1.130 0.712 0.430 0.369 97 92 49 20 14 9.37E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 EKVX 0.608 1.407 1.341 1.404 1.050 0.816 0.803 85 93 51 24 23 1.13E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HOF-62 0.237 0.680 0.639 0.631 0.504 0.465 0.407 91 89 60 52 38 1.31E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HOP-92 0.526 0.924 0.922 0.941 0.840 0.709 0.601 100 104 79 46 19 7.51E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H226 0.882 1.271 1.215 1.172 1.074 0.966 0.879 90 83 66 48 33 7.96E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-R25 0.632 1.872 1.870 1.785 1.276 1.163 1.146 100 93 52 43 41 1.61E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H322M 0.557 1.768 1.646 1.488 1.082 0.998 0.857 91 78 44 37 34 6.69E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H460 0.160 1.014 0.385 0.942 0.311 0.264 0.287 97 92 18 12 15 3.65E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H522 0.281 0.569 0.566 0.544 0.318 0.316 0.237 99 91 13 12 −16 3.97E−07 >2.72E−05 >1.00E−04 Colon Cancer COLO 205 0.158 0.925 0.767 0.747 0.525 0.238 0.064 79 77 40 10 −60 8.45E−07 >1.41E−05 >7.25E−05 HCT-116 0.261 1.591 1.634 1.483 0.621 0.514 0.405 103 93 27 19 11 4.478E−07 1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HCT-15 0.274 1.555 1.543 1.376 0.788 0.634 0.646 99 86 40 28 29 6.08E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HT29 0.328 1.755 1.559 1.441 0.874 0.709 0.717 86 78 38 27 27 5.05E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 KM12 0.450 1.719 1.637 1.523 1.027 0.766 0.640 94 84 45 26 15 7.65E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SW-620 0.141 0.849 0.933 0.806 0.599 0.477 0.440 112 94 65 47 42 7.13E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 CN5 Cancer SF-268 0.257 0.693 0.667 0.611 0.495 0.405 0.342 94 81 55 34 19 1.66E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SF-295 0.634 1.781 1.648 1.500 1.047 0.862 0.744 88 75 36 20 10 4.42E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SF-599 0.258 0.698 0.619 0.730 0.637 0.525 0.411 82 107 86 61 35 2.56E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SNB-19 0.458 1.275 1.264 1.231 0.908 0.808 0.708 99 95 56 44 32 3.27E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SNB-75 0.392 0.647 0.667 0.674 0.584 0.458 0.036 108 111 75 26 17 5.25E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 0.251 0.182 0.453 0.463 0.438 0.260 0.207 0.204 104 94 29 9 8 4.76E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Melanoma LOK IMVI 0.197 0.977 1.033 0.925 0.344 0.257 0.265 107 95 19 8 9 3.82E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MALME-3M 0.648 1.029 0.998 0.972 0.948 0.938 0.795 92 85 79 76 39 4.96E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 M14 0.330 0.821 0.792 0.746 0.571 0.411 0.225 94 85 49 16 −32 9.41E−07 2.19E−05 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-2 0.560 1.024 1.058 1.001 0.867 0.567 0.384 107 95 66 1 −31 1.76E−06 1.10E−05 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-2B 0.321 1.290 1.277 1.257 1.015 0.861 0.810 39 97 72 56 50 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-5 0.353 2.118 1.841 1.698 1.059 0.503 0.264 84 76 40 8 −25 5.29E−07 1.74E−05 >1.00E−04 UACC-257 0.643 1.973 1.309 1.212 0.895 0.707 0.684 91 78 35 9 6 4.41E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UACC-62 0.603 1.641 1.457 1.192 1.067 0.834 0.602 82 57 45 22 0 3.63E−07 3.63E−03 >1.00E−04 Ovarian Cancer IGROV1 0.361 1.299 1.313 1.264 0.883 0.590 0.597 102 97 56 34 25 1.88E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-3 0.384 0.932 0.871 0.906 0.736 0.628 0.552 89 95 64 44 31 5.25E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-4 0.603 1.180 1.169 1.062 0.890 0.698 0.660 98 80 50 16 10 9.74E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-5 0.405 0.871 0.916 0.854 0.830 0.755 0.723 110 96 91 75 68 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-8 0.182 0.720 0.749 0.729 0.527 0.361 0.331 105 102 64 33 28 2.86E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-OV-3 0.401 0.808 0.795 0.796 0.725 0.595 0.547 97 97 79 47 36 8.31E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Renal Cancer 786-0 0.269 1.054 1.051 1.072 0.672 0.515 0.478 100 102 51 31 27 1.16E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 A498 0.757 1.330 1.311 1.290 1.222 1.081 0.846 97 93 81 57 15 1.44E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 ACHN 0.384 1.327 1.350 1.250 0.886 0.664 0.561 102 92 53 30 19 1.37E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 CARI-1 0.413 0.963 0.930 0.915 0.747 0.632 0.534 94 91 61 40 22 3.26E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 RXF 393 0.658 1.110 1.107 1.103 0.926 0.609 0.576 99 96 60 −7 −12 1.39E−06 7.75E−06 >1.00E−04 SN12C 0.587 1.974 1.570 1.807 1.346 0.941 0.818 100 103 77 36 23 4.52E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 TK-10 0.523 1.286 1.300 1.229 1.106 0.933 0.895 102 93 76 54 48 5.13E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UO-31 0.258 0.703 0.724 0.753 0.509 0.383 0.322 105 111 56 28 14 1.69E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Prostate Cancer PC-3 0.237 0.537 0.563 0.459 0.396 0.233 0.217 109 74 40 −2 −9 5.01E−07 9.10E−06 >1.00E−04 DU-145 0.280 0.814 0.814 0.803 0.570 0.442 0.425 100 98 54 30 27 1.52E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Breast Cancer MC-F7 0.218 0.974 0.955 0.881 0.578 0.381 0.281 97 88 48 21 8 8.72E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI/ADR-RES 0.408 1.162 1.142 1.200 0.965 0.611 0.562 97 105 74 27 20 3.22E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDA-MB-231/ 0.400 0.778 0.768 0.764 0.673 0.535 0.483 103 96 72 36 22 4.94E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 ATCC HS 578T 0.757 1.123 1.465 1.440 1.216 1.200 0.913 193 187 125 121 42 8.02E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDA-N 0.378 1.495 1.477 1.432 0.958 0.640 0.458 99 94 52 23 7 1.17E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 BT-549 0.667 1.554 1.535 1.442 1.285 1.074 0.973 98 87 70 46 34 6.70E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 T-47D 0.322 0.740 0.721 0.698 0.554 0.410 0.430 95 90 55 21 26 1.44E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04

[0308] TABLE 7 In-Vitro Testing Results Units: Molar Compound 30 Stain Reagent: SRB Dual-P LogID Concentration Panel/ Time Mean Optical Densities Percent Growth Cell Line Zero Ctrl −8.0 −7.0 −6.0 −5.0 −4.0 −8.0 −7.0 −6.0 −5.0 −4.0 GI50 TGI LC50 Leukemia CCRF-CEM 0.288 0.528 0.463 0.456 0.432 0.341 0.382 73 70 60 22 39 1.85E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HL-60 (TB) 0.671 1.694 1.633 1.321 1.028 0.891 0.971 94 64 35 22 29 2.97E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 K-562 0.198 1.495 1.483 1.312 0.895 0.507 0.823 99 86 54 24 17 1.33E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDLT-4 0.394 1.353 1.382 1.250 0.910 0.611 0.523 103 89 54 23 13 1.33E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 RPMI-8226 0.410 1.482 1.328 1.483 0.935 0.733 0.783 86 100 49 30 36 9.53E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SR 0.329 0.797 0.690 0.723 0.478 0.386 0.438 77 85 32 12 23 4.55E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549/ATCC 0.237 1.123 1.084 1.089 0.957 0.457 0.438 96 96 81 25 23 3.57E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 EKVX 0.608 1.423 1.357 1.307 1.243 0.798 0.752 92 86 78 23 19 3.24E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HOF-62 0.237 0.679 0.663 0.687 0.657 0.599 0.459 96 102 95 67 50 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HOP-92 0.526 1.038 0.922 1.047 1.004 0.877 0.821 91 102 93 69 58 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H226 0.682 1.156 1.073 1.055 1.028 0.845 0.842 83 79 73 35 34 3.98E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-R25 0.632 1.981 1.884 1.941 1.770 1.437 1.371 93 97 84 60 55 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H322M 0.557 1.796 1.667 1.561 1.394 0.939 0.876 90 89 68 31 26 3.00E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H460 0.160 1.015 0.942 0.986 0.731 0.294 0.328 91 97 67 16 20 2.12E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H522 0.281 0.598 0.573 0.570 0.388 0.330 0.267 114 113 42 19 −9 7.60E−07 6.10E−05 >1.00E−04 Colon Cancer COLO 205 0.158 0.783 0.737 0.704 0.582 0.447 0.428 93 87 68 46 43 6.64E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HCT-116 0.261 1.587 1.541 1.461 1.094 0.490 0.548 97 90 63 17 22 1.91E−06 1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HCT-15 0.274 1.580 1.712 1.565 1.282 0.798 0.784 109 98 77 40 39 5.28E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HT29 0.328 1.786 1.609 1.686 1.548 0.656 0.620 91 93 70 22 20 2.63E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 KM12 0.450 1.459 1.407 1.364 1.045 0.859 0.818 95 91 59 41 36 3.06E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SW-620 0.141 0.846 0.860 0.838 0.754 0.546 0.559 102 99 87 57 56 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 CN5 Cancer SF-268 0.257 0.653 0.652 0.680 0.518 0.373 0.396 104 115 69 30 21 3.08E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SF-295 0.634 1.759 1.684 1.805 1.625 1.097 0.993 93 104 88 41 32 6.49E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SF-599 0.258 0.681 0.653 0.648 0.574 0.396 0.342 93 92 75 33 20 3.87E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SNB-19 0.458 1.205 1.168 1.129 1.095 0.796 0.725 95 90 86 47 37 8.22E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SNB-75 0.392 0.620 0.618 0.628 0.583 0.466 0.449 99 103 85 32 25 4.52E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 0.251 0.182 0.871 0.832 0.888 0.737 0.439 0.440 94 103 81 37 37 5.10E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Melanoma LOK IMVI 0.197 1.045 1.026 1.070 0.969 0.420 0.092 98 103 91 26 35 4.30E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MALME-3M 0.648 1.034 1.017 0.990 0.712 0.838 0.621 96 69 16 49 −4 3.42E−07 8.35E−05 >1.00E−04 M14 0.330 0.801 0.797 0.767 0.685 0.503 0.472 99 93 75 37 30 4.50E−08 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-2 0.560 1.457 1.475 1.405 1.415 1.222 1.157 102 94 95 74 71 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-2B 0.321 1.325 1.335 1.325 1.182 1.022 0.975 101 100 86 70 65 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-5 0.353 1.950 1.841 1.794 1.710 0.774 0.542 93 90 85 26 12 3.95E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UACC-257 0.643 1.352 1.346 1.285 1.078 0.785 0.734 99 91 61 20 13 1.86E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UACC-62 0.603 1.741 1.703 1.666 1.258 1.193 1.241 97 93 58 52 56 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Ovarian Cancer IGROV1 0.361 1.441 1.404 1.407 1.289 0.806 0.746 97 97 86 41 36 6.35E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-3 0.384 0.957 0.929 0.987 0.897 0.671 0.628 95 105 89 50 43 1.02E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-4 0.603 0.837 0.897 0.844 0.764 0.601 0.547 109 103 69 0 −9 1.86E−06 9.89E−06 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-5 0.405 0.735 0.743 0.754 0.727 0.689 0.664 102 106 98 86 78 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-8 0.182 0.821 0.795 0.786 0.721 0.874 0.490 105 102 64 33 28 2.86E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-OV-3 0.401 0.868 0.835 0.847 0.814 0.754 0.711 95 95 88 76 66 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Renal Cancer 786-0 0.269 0.996 0.989 0.985 0.935 0.350 0.475 98 98 92 11 28 3.28E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 A498 0.757 1.390 1.360 1.400 1.305 1.162 1.101 95 102 87 64 55 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 ACHN 0.384 1.349 1.414 1.428 1.287 0.864 0.899 107 108 94 50 53 — >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 CARI-1 0.413 0.760 0.901 0.790 0.659 0.650 0.652 141 108 71 68 69 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 RXF 393 0.658 1.065 1.025 1.053 0.987 0.751 0.740 90 97 81 23 20 3.40E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SN12C 0.587 1.540 1.540 1.445 1.414 0.977 1.013 100 90 87 41 45 6.32E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 TK-10 0.523 1.219 1.219 1.228 1.170 0.920 0.809 100 101 93 57 41 2.77E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UO-31 0.258 0.666 0.657 0.644 0.696 0.434 0.435 96 94 107 43 43 7.99E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Prostate Cancer PC-3 0.237 0.849 0.851 0.867 0.561 0.418 0.424 100 103 53 29 30 1.33E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 DU-145 0.280 0.777 0.765 0.767 0.755 0.471 0.435 98 98 95 38 31 6.24E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Breast Cancer MC-F7 0.218 1.084 1.104 1.140 0.977 0.531 0.504 102 106 88 36 33 5.38E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI/ADR-RES 0.408 1.207 1.399 1.345 1.239 0.894 0.786 124 117 104 61 47 6.24E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDA-MB-231/ 0.400 0.963 0.998 0.916 0.900 0.706 0.703 106 92 89 54 54 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 ATCC HS 578T 0.757 1.132 1.084 1.100 0.869 0.950 0.799 87 91 30 51 11 — >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDA-N 0.378 1.450 1.457 1.372 1.265 0.800 0.920 101 93 83 39 51 — >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 BT-549 0.667 1.653 1.602 1.647 1.558 1.405 1.267 95 99 90 75 61 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 T-47D 0.322 0.699 0.669 0.683 0.591 0.616 0.389 92 96 71 25 18 2.87E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04

[0309] TABLE 8 In-Vitro Testing Results Units: Molar MC: Compound 31 Stain Reagent: SRB Dual-P LogID Concentration Panel/ Time Mean Optical Densities Percent Growth Cell Line Zero Ctrl −8.0 −7.0 −6.0 −5.0 −4.0 −8.0 −7.0 −6.0 −5.0 −4.0 GI50 TGI LC50 Leukemia CCRF-CEM 0.169 0.477 0.512 0.458 0.343 0.235 0.175 111 94 56 21 2 1.53E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HL-60 (TB) 0.494 1.196 1.062 1.033 0.768 0.515 0.402 81 77 39 3 −19 5.12E−07 1.38E−05 >1.00E−04 K-562 0.137 1.034 0.975 0.825 0.485 0.349 0.268 93 77 39 24 15 5.06E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDLT-4 0.229 0.987 0.950 0.831 0.406 0.338 0.271 95 79 24 14 6 3.36E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 RPMI-8226 0.625 2.112 1.847 1.599 1.158 0.961 0.950 82 65 36 23 21 3.27E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SR 0.293 1.111 1.262 0.832 0.371 0.309 0.276 94 54 13 7 4 1.28E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549/ATCC 0.258 1.110 1.062 1.089 0.780 0.352 0.260 94 98 61 11 3 1.67E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 EKVX 0.906 1.296 1.395 1.318 1.138 0.716 0.562 100 103 80 27 7 3.65E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HOF-62 0.312 1.014 1.014 1.051 0.930 0.868 0.664 100 105 88 79 50 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HOP-92 0.660 1.290 1.218 1.216 1.126 0.923 0.829 89 88 74 42 27 5.53E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H226 0.430 0.882 0.839 0.837 0.752 0.582 0.487 90 90 71 34 13 3.67E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-R25 0.451 1.224 1.194 1.160 0.931 0.710 0.594 96 92 62 33 19 2.65E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H322M 0.440 1.428 1.411 1.366 1.137 0.587 0.532 98 94 71 15 9 2.34E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI-H460 0.139 1.012 0.975 1.000 0.452 0.223 0.117 96 99 96 10 −15 5.95E−07 2.81E−05 >1.00E−04 NCI-H522 0.582 1.998 1.983 1.830 1.846 1.210 1.096 99 88 89 44 36 7.48E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Colon Cancer COLO 205 0.406 1.733 1.787 1.641 1.225 1.044 0.901 103 93 59 45 33 4.34E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HCT-116 0.234 1.793 1.800 1.671 0.753 0.503 0.414 100 92 32 17 12 5.02E−07 1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HCT-15 0.350 1.612 1.566 1.342 0.785 0.596 0.942 96 79 34 20 15 4.44E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HT29 0.161 1.152 1.123 1.061 0.630 0.416 0.319 97 91 47 26 16 6.66E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 KM12 0.163 1.089 1.084 0.902 0.516 0.463 0.347 99 80 38 32 20 5.19E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SW-620 0.278 1.196 1.245 1.145 0.802 0.586 0.523 105 94 57 34 27 2.00E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 CN5 Cancer SF-268 0.482 1.710 1.632 1.775 1.206 1.054 1.046 94 105 59 47 46 5.28E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SF-295 0.381 1.968 1.925 1.941 1.579 1.214 0.916 97 98 75 52 34 1.35E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SNB-19 0.466 0.886 0.892 0.879 0.778 0.532 0.442 102 99 74 16 −5 2.61E−06 5.66E−05 >1.00E−04 SNB-75 0.450 0.659 0.665 0.659 0.621 0.542 0.409 103 100 82 44 −11 6.90E−06 6.40E−05 >1.00E−04 Melanoma LOK IMVI 0.174 1.541 1.494 1.446 0.701 0.338 0.368 97 93 39 12 13 6.17E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MALME-3M 0.668 1.376 1.496 1.535 0.965 1.347 1.358 117 123 42 96 97 — >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 M14 0.436 1.459 1.381 1.391 0.967 0.743 0.652 92 93 52 30 21 1.22E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-2 0.608 1.017 1.022 1.013 1.026 0.926 0.800 101 99 102 78 47 7.93E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-2B 0.721 1.357 1.307 1.277 1.114 1.028 0.917 92 87 62 48 31 7.47E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-MEL-5 0.271 2.072 1.959 1.734 1.010 0.751 0.573 94 81 42 27 17 5.97E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UACC-257 0.524 1.320 1.261 1.246 0.913 0.740 0.582 98 91 49 27 7 9.40E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UACC-62 0.328 1.084 1.010 1.886 0.602 0.567 0.457 90 74 36 32 14 4.30E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Ovarian Cancer IGROV1 0.328 1.587 1.507 1.462 1.050 0.759 0.692 94 80 57 35 29 2.13E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-1 0.404 1.006 0.953 0.906 0.778 0.500 0.399 91 83 62 16 −1 1.83E−06 8.34E−05 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-5 0.497 1.264 1.269 1.279 1.123 1.037 0.875 101 102 82 70 49 9.17E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 OVCAR-8 0.257 1.255 1.268 1.198 1.076 0.621 0.531 99 94 82 98 29 5.30E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SK-OV-3 0.511 0.964 0.948 0.979 0.886 0.867 0.721 97 102 88 85 63 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Renal Cancer 786-0 0.156 0.884 0.845 0.819 0.549 0.343 0.259 95 91 54 26 14 1.98E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 A498 0.494 0.892 0.865 0.865 0.713 0.441 0.335 95 93 55 −11 −32 1.19E−06 6.86E−06 >1.00E−04 ACHN 0.245 0.805 0.759 0.780 0.498 0.389 0.287 92 95 45 26 8 8.03E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 CARI-1 0.445 0.954 0.970 0.853 0.691 0.635 0.467 103 80 48 37 4 8.88E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 RXF 393 0.388 1.094 1.011 1.008 0.914 0.721 0.617 96 96 81 52 39 1.31E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 SN12C 0.341 1.152 1.104 1.160 1.080 0.693 0.586 94 101 85 43 30 6.98E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 TK-10 0.328 0.961 0.972 0.990 0.865 0.674 0.545 102 105 85 55 34 1.69E−05 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 UO-31 0.487 1.055 1.019 1.080 0.834 0.594 0.494 94 104 61 19 1 1.82E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Prostate Cancer PC-3 0.404 0.876 0.652 0.717 0.570 0.382 0.299 91 66 35 −6 −26 3.34E−07 7.30E−06 >1.00E−04 DU-145 0.189 0.624 0.646 0.646 0.552 0.378 0.302 105 105 84 43 26 6.84E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 Breast Cancer MC-F7 0.169 0.782 0.766 0.738 0.451 0.283 0.187 97 93 46 19 5 8.21E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 NCI/ADR-RES 0.431 1.087 1.052 1.097 0.980 0.606 0.513 95 101 84 27 12 3.88E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 HS 578T 0.750 1.925 1.803 1.335 1.198 1.328 1.403 90 50 38 49 56 — >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDA-MB-135 0.272 1.370 1.256 1.090 0.810 0.614 0.464 90 74 49 31 17 9.13E−07 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 MDA-N 0.565 1.882 1.820 1.790 1.233 0.859 0.704 96 90 57 33 22 1.97E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 BT-549 0.724 1.321 1.274 1.286 1.079 0.983 0.793 92 94 59 43 11 3.83E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 T-47D 0.224 0.795 0.750 0.741 0.593 0.417 0.379 92 90 65 34 27 2.97E−06 >1.00E−04 >1.00E−04 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound having the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: R₁ is —R′, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl or substituted (C₁-C₂₀) aryl; R₂ is —R′, —OR′, —SR₁, halogen or trihalomethyl; R₃ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₆-C₂1) aryleno; R₄ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₁-C₂₀) aryleno; each of R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′, halogen and trihalomethyl; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(S)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(S)OR″, —C(O)SR″, —C(S)SR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(S)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(S)R″, —C(S)C(S)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″, —C(S)C(O)OR″, —C(O)C(S)OR″, —C(O)C(O)SR″, —C(S)C(S)OR″, —C(S)C(O)SR″, —C(O)C(S)SR″, —C(S)C(S)SR″, —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(S)N(R″)₂ or —C(S)C(S)N(R″)₂; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₀) substituted aryl, (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl and substituted (C₁-C₂₆) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —SR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl and trihalomethyl, with the proviso that when R₁ and R₁₅ are each —H, at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ or R₁₄ is other than —H, R₈ is other than —H or —Cl and at least three of R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are other than —OCH₃.
 2. The compound of claim 1, in which the chalcogens are each oxygen.
 3. The compound of claim 1, in which the halogens are each independently —F, —Cl or —Br.
 4. The compound of claim 1, in which the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups are each independently (C₁-C₃), the aryl groups are phenyl or the aryleno groups are benzeno
 5. The compound of claim 1, in which R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₃ are each independently —R′.
 6. The compound of claim 1, in which R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O) N(R″)₂.
 7. The compound of claim 1, in which: R₁ is —R′ or (C₆-C₁₀) aryl; R₂ is —R′ or —OR′; R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₁₄, is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno; R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno; each of R₅, R₆ and R₇ is —H; R₉ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; each of R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is —H; R₁₂ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; R₁₃ is —H; R₁₄ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl, (C₁-C₃) alkynyl, (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, substituted (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, (C₁-C₁₃) alkaryl or substituted (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl.
 8. The compound of claim 1, in which: R₁ is —R′ or phenyl; R₂ is —R′ or —OR′; R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₄, is benzeno; R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃, is benzeno; each of R₅, R₆ and R₇ is —H; R₈ is —R′, —Cl or —Br; each of R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is —H; R₁₂ is —R′, —F or —Cl; R₁₃ is —H; R₁₄ is —R′ or —Cl; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)NHR″, —C(O)C(O)R″ or —C(C)C(O) OR″; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl, (C₁-C₃) alkynyl, (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, mono-substituted (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl or mono-substituted (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, —Cl, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃)alkynyl.
 9. The compound of claim 1, which is selected from the group consisting of Compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and
 35. 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, said compound having the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: R₁ is —R₁, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl or substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl; R₂ is —R₁, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl; R₃ is —R₁, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno; R₄ is —R₁, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno; each of R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, and R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′, halogen and trihalomethyl; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(S)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(S)OR″, —C(O)SR″, —C(S)SR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(S)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(S)R″, —C(S)C(S)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″, —C(S)C(O)OR″, —C(O)C(S)OR″, —C(O)C(O)SR″, —C(S)C(S)OR″, —C(S)C(O)SR″, —C(O)C(S)SR″, —C(S)C(S)SR″, —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(S)N(R₁₁)₂ or —C(S)C(S)N(R″)₂; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C,-c.) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₀) substituted aryl, (C₁-C₂₀) alkaryl and substituted (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —SR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl and trihalomethyl.
 11. The composition of claim 10, in which the chalcogens are each oxygen.
 12. The compositions of claim 10, in which the halogens are each independently —F, —Cl or —Br.
 13. The composition of claim 10, in which the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups are each independently (C₁-C₃), the aryl groups are phenyl or the aryleno groups are benzeno
 14. The composition of claim 10, in which R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₃ are each independently —R′.
 15. The composition of claim 10, in which R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂.
 16. The composition of claim 10, in which: R₁ is —R′ or (C₆-C₁₀) aryl; R₂ is —R′ or —OR′; R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₁₄, is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno; R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃′ is (C₆-C₁₀) aryleno; each of R₅, R₆ and R₇ is —H; R₈ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; each of R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is —H; R₁₂ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; R₁₃ is —H; R₁₄ is —R′, —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″ or —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl, (C₁-C₃) alkynyl, (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, substituted (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl or substituted (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl.
 17. The composition of claim 10, in which: R₁ is —R′ or phenyl; R₂ is —R′ or —OR′; R₃ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₄, is benzeno; R₄ is —R′ or —OR′ or, when taken together with R₃, is benzeno; each of R₅, R₆ and R₇ is —H; R₈ is —R′, —Cl or —Br; each of R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is —H; R₁₂ is —R′, —F or —Cl; R₁₃ is —H; R₁₄ is —R′ or —Cl; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(O)NHR″, —C(O)C(O)R″ or —C(O)C(O)OR″; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl, (C₁-C₃) alkynyl, (C₆-C₁₀) aryl, mono-substituted (C₁-C₁₀) aryl, (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl or mono-substituted (C₆-C₁₃) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, —Cl, (C₁-C₃) alkyl, (C₁-C₃) alkenyl and (C₁-C₃)alkynyl.
 18. The composition of claim 10, in which the compound is selected from the group consisting of Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and
 35. 19. A method of inhibiting mammalian cell proliferation, said method comprising the step of contacting a mammalian cell in situ with an effective amount of a compound having the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: R₁ is —R′, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl or substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl; R₂ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl; R₃ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₁-C₂₀) aryleno; R₄ is —R₁, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno; each of R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′, halogen and trihalomethyl; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(S)R″, —C(O)OR″, —C(S)OR″, —C(O)SR″, —C(S)SR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(S)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(S)R″, —C(S)C(S)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″, —C(S)C(O)OR″, —C(O)C(S)OR″, —C(O)C(O)SR″, —C(S)C(S)OR″, —C(S)C(O)SR″, —C(O)C(S)SR″, —C(S)C(S)SR″, —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(S)N(R″)₂ or —C(S)C(S)N(R″)₂; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₀) substituted aryl, (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl and substituted (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —SR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl and trihalomethyl.
 20. The method of claim 19 in which the compound is selected from the group consisting of Compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and combinations thereof.
 21. The method of claim 20 in which the compound is selected from the group consisting of Compounds 14, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, and combinations thereof.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein said mammalian cell is an endothelial cell, a fibrotic cell or a vascular smooth muscle cell.
 23. A method of treating or preventing a disorder characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, said method comprising the step of administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition having the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: R₁ is —R′, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl or substituted (C₆-C₂₀) aryl; R₂ is —R₁, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl; R₂ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₄, is (C₁-C₂₀) aryleno; R₄ is —R′, —OR′, —SR′, halogen or trihalomethyl or, when taken together with R₃, is (C₆-C₂₀) aryleno; each of R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of —R′, halogen and trihalomethyl; R₁₅ is —R″, —C(O)R″, —C(S)R₁₀, —C(O)OR″, —C(S)OR″, —C(O)SR″, —C(S)SR″, —C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(O)R″, —C(S)C(O)R″, —C(O)C(S)R″, —C(S)C(S)R″, —C(O)C(O)OR″, —C(S)C(O)OR″, —C(O)C(S)OR″, —C(O)C(O)SR″, —C(S)C(S)OR″, —C(S)C(O)SR″, —C(O)C(S)SR″, —C(S)C(S)SR″, —C(O)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(S)C(O)N(R″)₂, —C(O)C(S)N(R″)₂ or —C(S)C(S)N(R″)₂; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl and (C₁-C₆) alkynyl; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl, (C₆-C₂₀) aryl, (C₆-C₂₀) substituted aryl, (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl and substituted (C₆-C₂₆) alkaryl; and the aryl and alkaryl substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CN, —OR′, —SR′, —NO₂, —NR′R′, halogen, (C₁-C₆) alkyl, (C₁-C₆) alkenyl, (C₁-C₆) alkynyl and trihalomethyl.
 24. The method of claim 23 in which the compound is selected from the group consisting of Compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and combinations thereof.
 25. The method of claim 24 in which the compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds 14, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 and combinations thereof.
 26. The method of claim 23 in which the disease characterized by abnormal cell proliferation is cancer, a blood vessel proliferative disorder, a fibrotic disorder or an arteriosclerotic condition.
 27. The method of claim 26 in which said administration is per oral, parenteral or intravenous.
 28. The method of claim 23 in which the disease characterized by abnormal cell proliferation is a dermatological disease or Kaposi's sarcoma and said administration is transdermal.
 29. The method of claim 28 in which the dermatological disease is selected from the group consisting of keloids, hypertonic scars, seborrheic dermatosis, papilloma virus infection, eczema and actinic keratosis. 